Ethiopia’s government and rebels in the troubled Tigray region traded blame as clashes erupted Wednesday, shattering a months-long truce and seriously weakening hopes for a lasting settlement.
According to a government statement, Tigray rebels attacked Ethiopian forces near Kobo district and “essentially breached the cease-fire.”
The attacks began around dawn on the eastern front; from Bisober, Zobel and Tekulshe direction,the statement said.
An “extensive offensive” was launched “in the direction of Chobe Ber, Janora, Gubagala, Yalow, Alamata, Bala and Bisober,” according to a statement from the military headquarters of the Tigrayan troops.
The statement added that the assault was “designed as an auxiliary attack to enable the occupation of Southern Tigray,” with the “primary offensive” expected “from Western Tigray and Western Gondar.”
The TPLF last week rejected talks under the mediation of the African Union, while the government insisted that remains the only avenue for dialogue.
Thousands, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced since the armed conflict began in November 2020, with the UN blaming both sides for the deaths.
The UN has warned that Tigray “stands on the edge of a humanitarian disaster,” with more than 40% of the region’s estimated 6 million people in need of emergency assistance.
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