Tigray Leader: We Still Fighting Near Mekelle

The Leader of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) Debretsion Gebremichael said on Monday that his forces are still fighting near Mekelle city, the capital of Tigray, after it was seized by government troops, following nearly 6 months of battles.

In a text message to Reuters, Gebremichael also added that his forces had captured some Eritreans who are fighting alongside the Ethiopian federal forces.

There was no immediate comment from the Eritrean government, but it initially denied any role in the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, Tigray's leader denied reports that he had fled to South Sudan, stressing that he is still resisting in Tigray.

“I’m close to Mekelle in Tigray fighting the invaders,” he said.

Ethiopian Government comment

On her part, Billene Seyoum, the spokeswoman for Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed, said that the government will not respond to "the many delusions of a disintegrating criminal clique."

“The Federal government as a priority is busy governing a country and bringing stability to those affected," she added.

It is worth mentioning that, on Saturday, Ethiopia Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed announced that his army has taken full control of the Tigray capital of Mekele, after battles that lasted about 3 weeks.

“We’ve been able to enter Mekele city without innocent civilians being targets,” Abiy was quoted as saying by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

In a tweet, Abiy said, “the Federal government is in full control of the city of Mekele,” adding that the army would now locate Tigray’s leaders and arrest them.