Nov 1, 2021 — Ethiopia’s Tigray forces announced capturing the strategic city of Kombolcha in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, a historical city that is best known for archaeological discoveries of early Christian settlements and for its industrial production of steel and textile, one of the Ethiopia’s major exports to Italy, Sweden, Belgium and China.
According to reports extended to Nyamilepedia, the Tigray rebels claim to have also captured the twin city of Dessie which lies some 13 kms to the northwest and connected to Kombolcha through Ethiopian Highway 2.
In successive tweets on twitter, the TPLF spokesman Getachew K Reda confirmed today that they have captured Kombolcha, a day after claiming their forces captured Dessie.
“Firmly in control of #Kombolcha. Our forces will continue to take all appropriate measures to break the siege on the ppl of #Tigray. In the meantime, we will cooperate wt the #UN inmanaging their aid efforts in #Tigray& #Amhara including by protecting their warehouses.” TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said
be clear once again that we don’t have other motives than breaking the deadly siege on our ppl. That said, we will continue to work with all stakeholders who want to see a safe transition in #Ethiopia.#TigrayShallPrevail!
— Getachew K Reda (@reda_getachew) October 31, 2021
The Tigray forces have been giving strict warnings to the Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, for the couple of days saying the Ethiopian National Defense Force is disintegrating and their forces are advancing towards Addis Ababa.
“It’snt entirely clear if #AbiyAhmed realizes his so called #ENDF has all but disintegrated. All his generals are stampeding to make it to #Addis and it remains to be seen if #Abiy’s latest call for a Hobbesian “war of all against all” will be heeded by anyone.#TigrayShallPrevail!” TPLF spokesman Getachew K Reda stated.
If confirmed, the capturing of these strategic cities in just two days may justify the TPLF claims of rapid advancement.
In response to Tigray reports, the Government spokesman Legesse Tulu confirmed the fighting, saying “there is currently fierce fighting in Dessie and Kombolcha.”
On the other hand, the Federal Government has cut off lines of communication in northern region and restricted media access to verify both sides of the stories; however, residents in Kombolcha have confirmed the fierce fighting on the streets of Kombolcha and said they have seen the Ethiopian National Defense Forces retreating in lorries.
Semira, 36, one of the few people to step out on Sunday, said she spotted the rebels marching down the street after she finished praying at a local mosque.
“I saw some soldiers … going out of the city with a few lorries,” say Semira, a 36-year old resident who spoke to the National News.
Hamdiu, a shopkeeper also confirmed seeing the Ethiopia national forces retreating in lorries as the TPLF forces advanced into their city. .
“The city is scary quiet now … all the people are indoors,” Hamdiu said.
Responding on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on citizens to use any type of weapons to fight back the Tigray forces which he describes as “terrorists” and “enemy”.
“The challenges we face now may seem unsuccessful and complicated. But it’s not more difficult than the suffering our ancestors saw. The key is to stand together, listen carefully and move together”Dr. Abiy Ahmed wrote in a very long statement.
“Dying for Ethiopia is a duty [for] all of us,” He added.
“In the future, the enemy will collect all his power and attempt the same attacks. We have to be aware that the source of strength of our enemy is our weakness and forgetfulness. Most of us will be strong if we stand together and stand together. Our unity is the comfort of our enemy.” Dr. Abiy Ahmed said.
On the other hand, the Administration of the Amhara region, where Kombolcha and Dessie are located, has suspended all government operations and ordered government institutions to divert their budgets and attention to “the survival campaign”, which may mean military use.
This is the first time the TPLF resumes major operations since it recaptured the capital of Tigray region, Mekelle, on June 28, 2021 and re-established its administration.
