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Communication with Tigray is cut off and the area is strictly controlled, making it difficult to confirm information from the parties about the fighting.
In recent days, government forces have claimed that they have surrounded the regional capital, Mekele, with about half a million inhabitants, before the final planned offensive. But initially it is not clear how close the city is to the forces.
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Warned of war crimes
The tone has been threatening on both sides and the UN, the EU and human rights organizations have warned of the risk of serious war crimes.
“During this phase of closure, great care will be taken to protect innocent civilians from harm,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who also claimed that thousands of TPLF soldiers had already surrendered.
“Great efforts will be made to ensure that the city of Mekele does not suffer serious damage,” he added.
UN: Protection of civilians
The African Union has sent envoys to Addis Ababa in an attempt to end the fighting. But Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize last year, has rejected offers of mediation between the government and the TPLF. It describes the conflict as an internal affair and the military effort as part of the restoration of law and order in the rebel region.
On Tuesday, the UN Security Council held its first meeting on the crisis. UN Secretary General António Guterres calls on “Ethiopian leaders to do everything possible to protect civilians.”
“May constitute war crimes”
Human rights groups warn that bombing Mekele could be a war crime.
“Despite the Ethiopian army’s warnings to its residents, it does not relieve the government of its obligation to consistently ensure the protection of civilians,” writes Human Rights Watch.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have been killed during three weeks of fighting in Tigray and some 42,000 people have fled across the border into Sudan.
