The Ethiopian army has denied that civilians were killed in the airstrike at Togoga village outside Tigray’s capital, Mekelle.
The army’s spokesperson Col Getnet Adane told journalists on Thursday that the airstrike’s targets were rebel fighters who were gathered to celebrate Martyrs’ Day.
Eyewitnesses and hospital sources said dozens might have been killed or injured in the airstrikes. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it helped evacuate those wounded
Col Getnet has also denied claimed by rebel fighters, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), of military gains including control of some key areas.
He accused the TPLF of engaging in a misinformation campaign which he said was aimed at getting the government to sit down for negotiations by creating a perception of strength among the international community.
There have been growing calls for a cessation of hostilities which the government has continued to reject.
Renewed fighting is feared to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Tigray in which millions of people are in need of emergency aid.
Source: BBC
