The Tigray Liberation Front declared its control over the capital of the region, and expelled the Ethiopian army from it.
Less than a week after a massive offensive by Tigray Liberation Front forces, the Ethiopian army withdrew from Mekele, the capital of the northern province, on Monday, a UN official told CNN.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by the Ethiopian government.
The news is greeted with cheers in the regional capital of Tigray, and CNN reporters have watched people pour into the streets to celebrate, despite calls for them to stay home as the situation remains volatile.
Fireworks can also be heard as the festivities continue into the night.
CNN has reached out to both the Tigray Defense Forces and the Ethiopian government for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Eyewitnesses in Mekele told CNN that Ethiopian soldiers were seen entering banks, media offices and humanitarian agency offices before leaving the city.
A UN official told CNN that Ethiopian forces raided the offices of the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF and the World Food Program around 4 pm (local time).
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore condemned the measure "in the strongest terms".
“People from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) entered our office in Mekele today and dismantled our equipment operating with very small terminals,” she said. This act violates the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and the rules of international humanitarian law in respect of the objectives of humanitarian relief.”
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric joined the criticism of the Ethiopian forces when asked by journalists at the United Nations in New York.
"We condemn any and all attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets and once again remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law," Dujarric told reporters on Monday. The safety of our employees is a priority and we are doing everything we can to ensure that.”
"All parties must ensure that civilians are protected and that all humanitarian assistance provided by the United Nations is provided in accordance with humanitarian principles," Dujarric added.
The Source
- almasryalyoum.com