Debretsion says the war has entered a new and decisive phase

The president of Ethiopia''s Tigray region, Dr Debretsion Gebremichael, said on Thursday evening that the war in northern Ethiopia has entered a new and decisive phase.

Federal troops and allied forces that have entered Tigray know the road in but not the road out, he said, adding that the region would become the grave of what he called the invading force.

He said the fighting was not being carried by the people of Tigray alone, but in coordination with allied forces. Tigrayan units were holding positions on the Raya, Alamata, Chercher, Wajirat and Abergele fronts, he said.

Ethiopian media, for their part, report that federal forces have closed on Mekelle, with units on the Afar side now some 20 kilometres from the city. NatnaTV has not been able to verify these claims independently.

Dr Debretsion closed by urging civilians to stay away from military installations and infrastructure and to take precautions.