Ethiopia's Tigray forces may capture Debre Berhan city in few hours

CAIRO – 23 November 2021: Local Ethiopian media reported Tuesday the probable fall of Debre Berhan located in Amhara region in the hands of Tigray forces in the coming few hours, according to Sky News Arabia.

The city lies 130 kilometers away from the capital, Addis Ababa, which is the target of nine armed rebel groups. On the other hand, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that he would head to the front Tuesday to lead the federal army against rebel forces.

Tigray forces have already captured two towns, which are both located in Amhara region either. Those are Dessie and Kombolcha, which fell on October 31 and November 1, respectively.

The conflict between Tigray and the federal government has been ongoing since November 1, 2020, as a result of the former's objection of the postponement of elections, and the marginalization of politicians affiliated to the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF), that used to be an integral part of the consecutive governments for decades.

Airstrikes were launched on November 15 against the sites occupied by Tigray forces between Wollo province located in Oromia state, and Afar state, as reported by Sada El Balad citing Fana TV.

The raids targeted military training camps, and an arms depot belonging to Tigray forces.

In a similar context, Commander of Oromo Liberation Army Jaal Marroo told AFP that his forces are close to achieving victory, particularly that a number of soldiers in the federal army are defecting.

"We are preparing for another advance and another attack…The government is just trying to gain time and trying to provoke a civil war in the country. That is why they call on people to fight," Marroo added.

The commander had also stated that his forces lie 40 kilometers away from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and that they have not retreated a single inch from the territories they seized.

Marroo noted that the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) does not pose a threat to civilians urging the eviction of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his party "Prosperity" in order to launch the reconciliation process. 

The Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) announced on November 14 that its forces lie 270 kilometers away from Addis Ababa, as reported by Al Arabiyah, warning it would enter the city, if Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed does not resign.