Ethiopian army regains control of 6 towns, cuts Woldia-Mekelle highway

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian federal forces and their regional allies in Amhara have recaptured at least six strategic areas in northern parts of the country, cutting the Woldia-Mekelle highway.

This comes after reports alleged that forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have regained control of Lalibela, a World Heritage site located in Amhara region without resistance, something a security source in Addis Ababa denied.

In a statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said federal forces, assisted by regional allies, recaptured strategic towns leading to the federal army managing to cut the strategic Woldia-Mekelle highway.

“Ethiopian Forces led by Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli, who has headed to the front again, have captured the mountain chains of Zobel; strategic towns of Arjo, Fokisa, Boren towns and cut through the main Woldia – Mekelle highway,” Abiy’s office said.

The Prime Minister’s office further said federal forces have taken control of strategic towns such as Dire Rogana, Sodoma, Ambasel Mountain, and its vicinity.

“On the same front, forces have also taken control of strategic towns of Dire Roqana & Sodoma. On the Wuchalie front, joint Ethiopian forces have taken control of the Ambasel mountain chain and towns in the vicinity,” the statement said.