Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed confidence that federal forces will “disperse and destroy” rebels loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the north-western Amhara region, the pro-government Fana TV reports.
Violence that broke out in TPLF’s northern Tigray region stronghold a year ago has spread to neighbouring Amhara and the north-eastern Afar region.
“The enemy is in that mountain called Gashena [in Amhara]. We are planning from here, but we have finalised a plan to disperse the enemy and be on that mountain tomorrow,” the prime minister said while standing in a mountainous defence line with a pair of binoculars hanging from his neck.
“Tigrayan youth are falling like leaves. They should realise that there will be no victory in their blind and tactless strategy and surrender to the national defence forces starting today,” Mr Abiy said.
Earlier, state TV reported that the prime minister had called on those fighting for the TPLF to surrender as “victory is imminent”.
The state-run ETV first showed Mr Abiy on the frontline last week, days after he said he would lead federal troops in battle.
For its part, the TPLF says it has made significant territorial gains over the Ethiopian military. There is no independent confirmation of either sides claims.
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