TPLF militants have reportedly launched a new offensive in Afar North Zone of Afar and East Amhara regions last week, officials said. Afar Regional State Assistant Spokesman Mohamed Ahmed told Deutsche Welle that the TPLF had launched a heavy artillery attack on the town of Abala, near the Tigray regional capital Mekele, since last weekend. Residents also said they had been displaced by the attack, which they said was aimed at innocent people.
Mohamed Ahmed, an assistant to the Afar regional government, told Deutsche Welle in particular that the TPLF had carried out a series of attacks targeting a number of social facilities and homes, including religious institutions. As a result, an unknown number of residents were killed and displaced.
Asked about the military's interest in the city and the motive behind the attack, the official said it was possible retaliation by the enemy TPLF forces for blocking his way to Mile.
He said the attack did not exclude residents, including religious institutions. Those who have turned their backs on peace have said they do not expect the TPLF to be ready for peace. The Ethiopian government's decision last Thursday to stay in Afar and East Amhara has been widely praised as a way to end the year-long conflict.