Ethiopian PM says troops ordered to move on Tigray capital

26/11/2020 19:19

        Ethiopia's prime minister said Thursday the army has been ordered to move on the embattled Tigray regional capital after his 72-hour ultimatum for Tigray leaders to surrender ended, and he warned residents to stay indoors and disarm.
        
        The statement by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office means tanks and other weaponry can now close in on Mekele, a city of some half-million people. His government has warned of "no mercy" if residents don't move away from the Tigray leaders in time.
        
        The new statement said, the military offensive "has reached its final stage" after three weeks of fighting.
        
        It asserts that thousands of Tigray militia and special forces surrendered during the 72-hour period. It says, "We will take utmost care to protect civilians."