The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said 500 federal soldiers and allied fighters died in Naeder clashes Oct. 31, adding a new casualty claim as fighting continues in the northern region.
A statement attributed to Tigrayan armed forces and posted on X by @Wedi_ATM said 800 others were wounded. It listed two regiment commanders among the dead. Dimtsi Weyane television, a TPLF-affiliated broadcaster, also carried the casualty claim.
The post said Ethiopian and allied forces advanced toward Naeder from Aksum and Mahbere Dego. Tigrayan fighters then retook positions and seized weapons and other supplies, it said.
Federal forces gained control of Mekelle in early October after major fighting resumed in September. The latest claim follows another TPLF estimate: TPLF official Negash Hiluf said 1,511 federal troops were killed and 1,050 wounded in clashes near Mirena on Oct. 17 and 18, a claim covered in EconoTimes’ report on the Mirena estimate.