December 08, 2020 - 01:48 PM EST
US believes Eritrean soldiers helping Ethiopia's fight against rebels: report
US believes Eritrean soldiers helping Ethiopia's fight against rebels: report
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BY CELINE CASTRONUOVO
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U.S. officials have reportedly come to the conclusion that Eritrean soldiers have entered Ethiopia to assist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government in its fight against opposition forces.
Reuters reported Tuesday that a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats briefed on the assessment said that evidence from satellite images, intercepted communications and anecdotal reports appear to confirm Eritrean involvement.
However, Reuters noted that both countries have denied Eritrea's participation in the offensive against the opposition group Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
"There doesn't appear to be a doubt anymore. It's being discussed by U.S. officials on calls - that the Eritreans are in Tigray - but they aren't saying it publicly," the U.S. government source, who has had access to internal calls, told the news service.
The two nations signed a peace treaty in 2018, identifying the Tigray rebellion force as a mutual enemy.
While the U.S. considers Ethiopia a major ally in the region, Washington has accused Eritrea of severe human rights violations, with the State Department on Monday renewing its country of particular concern designation over reported violations of religious freedom under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act.
Eritrea has also faced allegations of jailing political opponents and forcing its citizens into long-term military or government service. Eritrea has denied these claims, accusing Western nations of carrying out smear campaigns.
According to Reuters, a senior diplomat from another country confirmed the presence of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia, saying "thousands" of Eritrean soldiers were likely involved.
The State Department did not confirm the accounts, though a spokesman said it would be concerned by any Eritrean involvement and that its embassy in Asmara is urging restraint to officials.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed said, "We are not involved. It's propaganda," when contacted by Reuters on Saturday.
Ethiopia has also denied the reports, but Abiy did say last week that some government troops were given assistance after retreating into Eritrea earlier on in the conflict.
Abiy's spokeswoman told Reuters that questions surrounding Eritrean involvement should be directed to Eritrea.
Last month, the Ethiopian military announced that it was fully in control of the capital city of the Tigray region hours after it launched an offensive against the TPLF.
The announcement followed a day of fighting against the opposition group, which retains a foothold in Tigray after it was swept out of national power in 2018 and then sidelined by reforms under Abiy's government.
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Tog Wajale E.R.
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- Joined: 31 Oct 2019, 15:07
So What :--Does It Matter, Why The Rubbish Garbage U.S.A.& West Concerns, Where Were They Last 23 Years Borders Wars .
Last edited by Tog Wajale E.R. on 11 Dec 2020, 03:30, edited 2 times in total.
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Tog Wajale E.R.
- Senior Member
- Posts: 14766
- Joined: 31 Oct 2019, 15:07
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Tog Wajale E.R.
- Senior Member
- Posts: 14766
- Joined: 31 Oct 2019, 15:07
Re: So What :--- Does It Matter, Why The Rubbish Garbage U.S.A. Concerns, Where Were They Last 23 Years Borders Wars !
US believes reports of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia Tigray region are 'credible': report
US believes reports of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia Tigray region are 'credible': report
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BY ZACK BUDRYK
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U.S. officials believe reports of Eritrean military forces in the Tigray region of Ethiopia to be "credible," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.
Reuters first reported Tuesday that a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats had been briefed that Eritrean soldiers were helping Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government fight against the region's opposition group Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
However, both Ethiopia and Eritrea denied the presence of Eritrean forces in the region.
"We are aware of credible reports of Eritrean military involvement in Tigray and view this as a grave development. We urge that any such troops be withdrawn immediately," the spokesperson told the news service.
On Tuesday, the wire service reported that a senior diplomat from another country reported there were thousands of Eritrean forces in the region.
The department also noted reports of human rights abuses by the Eritrean government, both domestically and in Tigray.
"We are also aware of reports of human rights violations and abuses in the region. All parties must respect human rights and international humanitarian law," the department spokesperson told Reuters. "We and other international partners continue to urge an independent investigation of the reports and accountability for those found responsible."
The U.S. considers Ethiopia an ally in the east African region, Washington has accused Eritrea of human rights violations in the past including jailing political opponents and forcing citizens into long-term government or military positions.
Abiy won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the peace process with Eritrea but Eritrean troops crossing the border could risk anxiety from Western allies and exacerbating the conflict, according to the news service.
Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki agreed to end a two-decade conflict in 2018 and have united against the TPLF, an insurgent group based in the northern region.
Abiy said last week that some troops had retreated over the Eritrean border early in the conflict but has denied Eritrean forces entered Ethiopia.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has dismissed the reports as "propaganda," according to Reuters.
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US believes reports of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia Tigray region are 'credible': report
GETTY IMAGES
BY ZACK BUDRYK
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U.S. officials believe reports of Eritrean military forces in the Tigray region of Ethiopia to be "credible," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.
Reuters first reported Tuesday that a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats had been briefed that Eritrean soldiers were helping Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government fight against the region's opposition group Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
However, both Ethiopia and Eritrea denied the presence of Eritrean forces in the region.
"We are aware of credible reports of Eritrean military involvement in Tigray and view this as a grave development. We urge that any such troops be withdrawn immediately," the spokesperson told the news service.
On Tuesday, the wire service reported that a senior diplomat from another country reported there were thousands of Eritrean forces in the region.
The department also noted reports of human rights abuses by the Eritrean government, both domestically and in Tigray.
"We are also aware of reports of human rights violations and abuses in the region. All parties must respect human rights and international humanitarian law," the department spokesperson told Reuters. "We and other international partners continue to urge an independent investigation of the reports and accountability for those found responsible."
The U.S. considers Ethiopia an ally in the east African region, Washington has accused Eritrea of human rights violations in the past including jailing political opponents and forcing citizens into long-term government or military positions.
Abiy won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the peace process with Eritrea but Eritrean troops crossing the border could risk anxiety from Western allies and exacerbating the conflict, according to the news service.
Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki agreed to end a two-decade conflict in 2018 and have united against the TPLF, an insurgent group based in the northern region.
Abiy said last week that some troops had retreated over the Eritrean border early in the conflict but has denied Eritrean forces entered Ethiopia.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has dismissed the reports as "propaganda," according to Reuters.
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