At least 52 civilians were killed over three days of heavy clashes in Alamata, a town in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, according to hospital sources told the BBC.
The fighting, which started after months of tension between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, saw government troops seize the town and plan to advance toward Mekelle.
Tanks and armoured vehicles moved through Alamata’s streets, while artillery fire hit residential areas, killing children, mothers and cattle herders.
Meanwhile, the conflict spilled over into the neighbouring Amhara region, trapping tourists in Lalibela and disrupting banking, internet and aviation services across Tigray.
With communications cut, the Tigray Broadcasting Service is using satellite TV to relay messages to families, but the humanitarian crisis deepens as 700 injured are treated in local hospitals.
