Ethiopian crisis: Government says more towns 'liberated' from rebels

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The coalition of Ethiopian security forces, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has liberated more towns from the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the official Government Communication Service (GCS) said on Saturday.

The government-owned Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), named some of the liberated towns as Qewzba, Chila and the environs at the Gashena front, as well as Ajbar, Tanta Doba and the surroundings at Woreilu.

It added that Majete, Chiretin, Kemise, Rike, Woledin and Albuk at the Kemise front and most parts of Kalu Woreda have also been liberated.

"The coalition force is marching towards the industrial town Kombolecha," the government said.

"In the intensified operations carried out (on Saturday and Friday), the terrorist TPLF has been dealt a severe blow more than ever," it said.

The GCS added: "Most of the terrorists have been eliminated while others are surrendering. Through these operations, the promise to prevent the terrorist force and the properties it looted from being taken out is also being kept."

There is no independent confirmation of the claims.

ENA on Thursday quoted Prime Minister Abiy as saying the victories achieved in the east and west of the country will be repeated in the central parts.

He said more towns and cities occupied by the rebels, led by the "terrorist" TPLF, "will be liberated in operations that would be carried out soon".

The GCS said that Ethiopia's defence force had liberated the historic town of Lalibela and its international airport as fighting with rebels intensifies.

It said the united Ethiopian forces had liberated Lalibela town, where the World Heritage Rock-hewn Churches are located.

-0- PANA MA/VAO 5Dec2021