Ethiopian Forces Withdraw from Tigray amid Big Celebrations

The Ethiopian military withdrew from the war-torn regional Tigrayan capital of Mekelle on Monday, a UN official told CNN.

The news was greeted with cheers in Mekelle, as people poured onto the streets in celebration, despite calls for them to stay indoors. Fireworks could also be heard as celebrations carried on into the night.

CNN reached out to both the Tigray Defense Forces and the Ethiopian Government for comment but received no comment yet.

A UN official told CNN that the offices of the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF and the World Food Program were raided by Ethiopian forces around 4 pm local time.

Accordingly, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore condemned the action "in the strongest terms."

"Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces entered our office in Mekele, Tigray, Ethiopia today and dismantled our VSAT equipment," Fore said.

"This act violates UN privileges and immunities and the rules of International Humanitarian Law regarding respect for humanitarian relief objects," she stressed.

Moreover, the UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric joined in on the criticism of Ethiopian forces when asked by journalists at the United Nations in New York.

"We condemn any and all attacks on humanitarian workers and assets and remind again all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law," Dujarric told journalists . "The safety of our staff is a priority and we are doing everything we can to ensure it."

"All parties must ensure the protection of civilians and that all humanitarian assistance, provided by the United Nations, is provided according to humanitarian principles," he added.