Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday declared a nationwide state of emergency after the rebel Tigrayan forces took control of two strategic cities.
The measure came after tens of thousands of supporters of the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) who are living in Dessie and Kombolcha cities fought alongside with the rebels force.
“The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country.
The lawmakers are expected to approve the measure within 24 hours.
In recent days the TPLF has claimed control of two strategic cities about 380 kilometers north of Addis Ababa and has not ruled out marching on the capital, which has so far not seen any fighting.
The government has denied claims of TPLF territorial gains which, if confirmed, would represent a major strategic advance.
Much of northern Ethiopia is under a communications blackout, and access for journalists is restricted, making battlefield claims difficult to verify independently.
Earlier Tuesday, officials ordered Addis Ababa residents to register their firearms and prepare to defend their neighborhoods.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray a year ago to detain and disarm the TPLF, a move he said came in response to attacks on army camps.
MG/abj/APA