Addis Abeba — In a report that was last updated on July 20, 2021, the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) said that well over 50,000 people have been displaced as a result of ongoing fighting between Afar regional forces and forces loyal to Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Fighting has broken out in major towns along the border area between Afar and Tigray regions and Tigrayan forces have taken control of at least four towns causing thousands to flee and looting valuables as a consequence, according to the NGO's report.
Tigrayan forces crossed into Afar region over the weekend, their crossing was confirmed on Monday by Afar region communication bureau head Ahmed Koloyta who told Reuters that federal forces were on the way and invading forces would be pushed back. On his part Getachew Reda, spokesperson for TPLF and its forces, confirmed the crossing and said that the aim was to weaken ENDF fighting capabilities.
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