Tigray rebels claim success in neighbouring state

A senior rebel commander in Ethiopia says Tigrayan forces have scored what he described as a major victory in the neighbouring Afar region.

He told the BBC the rebels were also fighting troops allied to the federal government in southern and western Tigray, with three to four divisions engaged on every front.

The claim has not been independently confirmed.

An Afar official said more than 50,000 people had been displaced by rebel attacks.

Eritrean refugees in southern Tigray spoke of heavy fighting in the area.

Regional forces from across Ethiopia are being deployed to Tigray following significant rebel advances in recent weeks.

source: BBC