At least 80 fighters of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have been reportedly killed in a counteroffensive by a joint operation of the Ethiopian military and Amhara Special Forces.
Several of the rebels were either wounded or surrendered during Saturday’s skirmish which took place in Afla district at a place called Awshera in Tigray.
The fighting followed a surprise attack by TPLF fighters on Amhara Special Forces base stationed in Korem town, residents of the town told local media.
A top member of the outlawed TPLF Getachew Reda, a month ago said the fighting between TPLF and the federal army has continued with government troops suffering heavy losses.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last November declared an end to what he called a law enforcement operation in Tigray after the federal army took control of Mekelle, the region’s capital.
The National Defense Forces joined the Amhara Special Force which turned to be offensive in half an hour after the surprise attack, according to residents.
The fighting with the aid of heavy weapons continued into Sunday at a mountain to the west of Lake Ashenge where several TPLF fighters including those military officials, who had deserted the national army, surrendered.
MG/as/APA