The conflict between Addis Ababa and the Tigray People's Liberation Front further escalates as the state of Eritrea becomes involved
by: Isti Miskolczy
On Sunday, several rockets were fired at an airport in close proximity to Eritrea's capital city. The attack has been confirmed to be coming from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a regional party in northern Ethiopia which have been fighting with the Ethiopian federal government forces for approximately two weeks now.
Besides claiming responsibility for the attack, Debretison Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray region also accused Eritrea of supporting Ethiopia via sending troops across the border and allowing Ethiopian forces to use said airport against the TPLF. However, the Government of Eritrea has formally denied any involvement in the conflict.
Photo courtesy of Miguel Á. Padrinán via Pixabay
"In order to defend itself from foreign forces, Ethiopia has a huge stockpile of rockets [...] which can travel 300 kilometres" - said Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in a press conference.
The Prime Minister launched a military offensive in the Tigray region on the 4 of November as a response to the alleged treason and terrorism committed by the TPLF. This most recent clash is said to be a major escalator in the conflict.
"Those who are committing crimes against humanity and peace will be held accountable. We remain steadfast in our resolve to justice and rule of law" - the Prime Minister tweeted. Mr. Ahmed also thanked the "exceptional valor and commitment" of the population and promised "lasting peace and harmony".
Photo courtesy of Google Maps. The Tigray region is highlighted in red.
The conflict between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government forces dates back to 2018 when the incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the elections. His reforms (including reaching out to make peace with Eritrea) however, were said to be sidelining the Tigrayans, who prior to 2018 were a major factor in Ethiopian politics. This dissatisfaction is presumed to be causing this conflict, which has every chance to further escalate given the latest airstrike.
