Debretsion Gebremichael, the leader of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said on Saturday that Ethiopian government forces have begun an offensive to capture Tigray's capital, Mekelle, according to Reuters.
He added that Mekelle is currently under “intensive shelling”.
Earlier today, the Ethiopian army announced that it took control of several key military positions near the city of Mekelle, the last stronghold of the Tigray Liberation People Front (TLPF) leaders, according to Sky News website.
In an official statement, Head of training Unit in the Ethiopian Defense Force, Let. General Hassen Ibrahim said that the army had captured Hawuzen, Al-Nejsashi, Adi Keyah, Maymesano, and Wukro towns (all near Mekelle city).
Ibrahim added that their forces managed to tighten the siege on Mekelle from several directions, after controlling key strategic locations.
It is worth mentioning that, two days ago, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered his troops to advance towards Tigray’s Capital Mikkeli after his 72-hour ultimatum for Tigray leaders to surrender ended, according to AFP.
In a statement, he also warned residents to stay indoors and disarm.
Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands have been forced from their homes as Ethiopian forces have seized towns, according to BBC.
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