Heavy shelling rocks Tigray capital as Ethiopia steps up offensive

Heavy shelling struck the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region on Saturday, AFP reported, citing local government source, as the city braced for an attack against leaders of the regional ruling party.

Ethiopia's military "has started hitting with heavy weaponry and artillery the center of Mekele," the local government said in a statement carried by Tigrayan media – a claim confirmed by two humanitarian officials with staff in the city.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, announced on November 4 he had ordered military operations against Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

More than three weeks of fierce fighting has left thousands dead "including many civilians as well as security forces," the International Crisis Group said Friday.

Tens of thousands of refugees have streamed over the border into Sudan.

(Cover: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivers his speech during a military parade in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, September 30, 2020. /Xinhua)