Armed Conflict in Adigudom: TPLF Attack Causes Civilian Casualties in Ethiopia
In a shocking turn of events on Tuesday evening, armed groups affiliated with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) led by Debretsion Gebremichael unleashed chaos in the town of Adigudom near Mekele, resulting in multiple civilian casualties. This violent incident has sent shockwaves throughout the region, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.
Seizing Control: TPLF’s Aggressive Move
Reports have surfaced indicating that the Tigray armed forces managed to take over the mayor’s office in Adigudom, with the town’s mayor, deputy mayor, and other cabinet members forcibly removed from their homes. Eyewitnesses have described a scene of armed personnel stationed in the town since Tuesday, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease among the local population. Shockingly, approximately seven members of the local cabinet, including the mayor, have been detained, further exacerbating the volatile situation.
The Root of the Conflict: TPLF Factional Disputes
Behind the veil of this violent outbreak lies a deep-seated conflict within the TPLF itself. The party has been torn between the hardline faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael, the current chairman, and the supporters of Getachew Reda, who currently heads the Tigray Interim regional administration and maintains a close allegiance to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This internal power struggle has escalated in recent days, culminating in a series of provocative actions that have pushed the region to the brink of chaos.
Getachew Reda, a prominent figure within the Tigray political landscape, condemned the recent actions taken by a rogue group of army officers who sought to dismantle established state structures across Tigray. In a public statement, he lamented the lawlessness that has gripped the region, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The brazen attempt to install an unauthorized faction of the TPLF into positions of power has not only defied the will of the Tigrayan people but has also violated established agreements such as the Pretoria Agreement, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Eyewitness Accounts: Horror Unfolds in Adigudom
Witnesses present during the violence in Adigudom have recounted harrowing tales of terror and bloodshed. Concerned residents who had gathered near the mayor’s office in response to reports of his arrest found themselves in the line of fire as gunmen opened up on the crowd, dispersing them with a hail of bullets. Among the injured was Mogos Kidan, a 30-year-old resident currently receiving medical treatment at Adigudom Hospital. The brother of Gebrehiwot Haile, Alem Hailem, shared a chilling account of the chaos, revealing how innocent civilians were targeted indiscriminately by the armed assailants.
As the sun rose on Wednesday morning, Adigudom remained under the grip of fear, with a heavy military presence patrolling the streets. Reports emerged of armed forces conducting house-to-house searches, detaining individuals without cause. The town’s government offices were cordoned off by the military, rendering public services inaccessible to the residents, further isolating them in a time of crisis.
The Fallout: Tigray Forces in Disarray
Amidst the turmoil in Adigudom, senior military commanders aligned with Debretsion’s faction have embarked on a campaign to seize control of government offices across various parts of Tigray, signaling a broader power struggle within the region. In response, the interim administration led by Getachew Reda has called on the federal government to intervene and provide much-needed support to restore order. Just days prior, Getachew Reda had taken decisive action by suspending four army commanders for their alleged role in undermining the state structure, a move aimed at quelling further unrest within the ranks.
As tensions escalate and violence continues to grip Adigudom, the fate of the region hangs in the balance. The conflict between rival factions within the TPLF has not only endangered the lives of innocent civilians but has also raised concerns about the stability and security of Tigray as a whole. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: urgent action is needed to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace to a region on the brink of collapse.