Ethiopia escalates Air strikes in Mekelle

Ethiopian air force has conducted a fresh round of bombing in Mekelle, the main city of the northern Tigray region.

In a statement, the government’s communications office said; ”Tuesday’s offensive targeted a rebels’ training camp in the outskirts of the city.”

Tigray Television, controlled by rebel forces, has confirmed the air raids but did respond to the government’s claims of targeting training facilities.

Last week the air force carried out strikes in the city as well as other areas in the western and northern Tigray.

Rebel forces accuse the government of targeting and killing civilians in the air raids because it was losing ground battles.

But the Authorities in Addis Ababa say ”the air raids are directed at rebel targets.”

On 4th November, the Horn of Africa nation will mark a year since ‘fighting broke out between federal forces and fighters loyal to Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

Thousands have been killed, many more face famine conditions and millions have been displaced.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq