The Ethiopian government says its joint forces have driven out rebel fighters from northern Tigray and almost all areas of Amhara in their latest push for territorial gain.
The Joint Security Forces of Ethiopia has taken control of Woldiya and other towns and liberated the entire North Wollo Zone from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, Government Communications Service Minister, Legesse Tulu (PhD) said in a statement on Saturday.
In operations conducted on Friday evening, the national army and security forces of Amhara and Afar regions jointly with the Air Force of the National Defense Force liberated, among others, Kobo, Sanka, Sirinka, Gobye, Robit, Hara and Woldia towns from TPLF occupation, the minister said.
The joint forces have routed the enemy soldiers that were trying to expand aggression in these areas, he indicated.
Moreover, the security forces have smashed many enemy troops that were retreating to Alamata and Chercher and left several others wounded and captured, he added.
The government official said federal forces outflanked and destroyed enemy troops trying to cut Gashena through Lalibella and Muja towns, and took control of Hamusit, Estayish, Ahun Tegegn, Dilb and Kulmesk towns.
Enemy forces have been retreating in the direction of Korem town, the minister added.
MG/as/APA