Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Concern of Outright War in Ethiopia Grows as PM Presses Military Offensive

Reuters

   ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia's prime ministerstepped up a military offensive
   in the northern region of Tigrayon Sunday with air strikes as part of
   what he called a "lawenforcement operation,"increasing fears of
   outright civil warin Africa's second-most populous country.

   Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has defied calls from the UnitedNations and
   allies in the region to negotiate with leaders inTigray, home of the
   ethnic group that dominated the federalgovernment before he took power
   in 2018.

   Abiy last week launched a military campaign in the province,saying
   forces loyal to leaders there had attacked a militarybase and attempted
   to steal equipment.

   Abiy accuses the leaders of Tigray of undermining hisdemocratic
   reforms.

   Government fighter jets have since been bombing targets inthe region,
   which borders Sudan and Eritrea. Aid workers onSunday reported heavy
   fighting in several parts of the region,with at least six dead and
   dozens wounded.

   Alsoon Sunday, Abiy named a new chief of the army, a newintelligence
   chief and a new federal police commissioner andforeign minister,
   changes that analysts said brought closeallies into top posts as the
   conflict escalates.

.