The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) claimed 1,511 federal soldiers died during two days of clashes near Mirena, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned Eritrea over its alleged backing of armed groups.
TPLF official Negash Hiluf put the number of wounded federal soldiers at 1,050 for the Oct. 17 and 18 clashes. Anadolu reported that Hiluf presented the figures in a video briefing aired by Tigray Media Corporation.
The TPLF said federal troops were moving toward Adet when fighting broke out near Mirena in central Tigray. It said its fighters also killed 11 Tigray Peace Force members, whose faction is aligned with Ethiopia’s federal government. Anadolu reported no public response to the claims from Ethiopia’s government or military as of Oct. 20.
Abiy’s warning to Eritrea came amid accusations between the neighboring governments. The state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation aired the interview in which Abiy warned of severe consequences if Eritrea ignored Ethiopia’s appeals for cooperation. Eritrea has denied helping the TPLF and has accused Ethiopia of seeking to seize Assab, its Red Sea port.
Federal forces captured Mekelle, Tigray’s regional capital, after major fighting resumed Sept. 23. Ethiopia subsequently installed a six-month caretaker administration tasked with restoring services and creating conditions for a vote. Officials aim to hold regional elections within six months but have not announced a voting date.
