Ethiopia to take control of airports in restive Tigray region

Ethiopia to take control of airports in restive Tigray region

Nearly 2-year conflict has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The Ethiopian government said Monday it will take control of airports and federal government facilities from the rebel-held Tigray region, which it accuses of colluding with hostile foreign actors to violate its airspace.

In a statement, Addis Ababa said the move will help safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity. It added that controlling airports would also enable the government to expedite humanitarian aid to people in need.

“These measures are necessitated not only by the repeated attacks by the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) but also by its active collusion with these hostile foreign powers,’’ the statement said without mentioning who the foreign powers are.

The government said while pursuing objectives of securing its territorial integrity and sovereignty it is also committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through the African union led peace talks.

Addis Ababa’s statement comes barely a day after officials in its restive rebel-held Tigray region said they are ready to abide by calls from the African Union for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In a statement issued Sunday, the regional government of Tigray said it welcomes calls by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urging the conflicting parties to implement an immediate and unconditional cease-fire.

The Tigray leadership, however, decried alleged violations of international law by Ethiopian forces, which they accused of indiscriminate aerial bombing and artillery bombardments targeting civilians and destroying towns, villages and homes.

They called on the international community to compel the Eritrean army to withdraw from Tigray, and take practical steps toward an immediate cessation of hostilities, and press the Ethiopian government to come to the negotiating table.

The Ethiopian government said Monday its troops abide by all pertinent norms of international humanitarian law. It said its army endeavors to avoid combat operations within urban areas to prevent civilian casualties.

“Strict instructions have been given to all combat units to reinforce this commitment," it added.

The nearly two-year conflict has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions.

Kaynak:Source of News

This news has been read 116 times in total

ADD A COMMENT to TO THE NEWS
UYARI: Küfür, hakaret, rencide edici cümleler veya imalar, inançlara saldırı içeren, imla kuralları ile yazılmamış,
Türkçe karakter kullanılmayan ve büyük harflerle yazılmış yorumlar onaylanmamaktadır.
Previous and Next News