Reports indicate that the TPLF faction led by Debretsion Gebremicael has captured Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, while Getachew Reda has purportedly fled to Addis Ababa. Allegations of civilian violence have emerged, with Reda also claiming external forces are involved. Eritrea’s Information Minister has criticized comments suggesting imminent warfare, framing them as part of a broader aggressive agenda against Eritrea.
Pro-Eritrean government news source TesfaNews reported that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) faction, led by Debretsion Gebremicael, has seized control of Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle. Concurrently, Getachew Reda, a prominent figure within the TPLF, is said to have fled to Addis Ababa, although Borkena is yet to verify these claims through independent sources.
Getachew Reda conveyed via social media that the Debretsion faction’s generals have engaged in violent actions against civilians. He reported that civilians protesting against these actions have been subjected to random shootings, particularly in Adigudom and various sectors of Mekelle. Furthermore, he alleged the involvement of “external forces” in the conflict against the interim government.
The Ethiopian government has remained silent amidst the ongoing situation in the Tigray region. On a separate note, Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister for Information, responded sharply to Tsadkan Gebretensae’s recent article in African Report, suggesting imminent warfare between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Gebremeskel asserted, “Tigray cannot be the battleground for Ethiopia and Eritrea,” and criticized Tsadkan for promoting an aggressive agenda against Eritrea, especially concerning the annexation of Eritrea’s port of Assab.
In recent months, Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of inciting conflict. Yemane Gebremeskel insinuated that Tsadkan’s remarks betray a hidden “war-mongering agenda,” particularly when he suggested that preparations for conflict were nearing completion. He emphasized that Tsadkan’s narrative perpetuates hostility between Eritrea and its neighbors, fueled by a desire for further military aggression.
The situation in Tigray continues to unfold as the TPLF reportedly takes control of strategic locations and allegations of violence against civilians are prevalent. The Ethiopian government’s silence contrasts with Eritrea’s rebuttal to accusations of conflict escalation. The discourse surrounding regional tensions underscores the complexities inherent in the Eritrea-Ethiopia relations, characterized by ongoing accusations and a fraught history.
Original Source: borkena.com
