U.S. Condemns Retaliatory Attacks Against Civilians in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

Addis Ababa, July 13, 2021 (Walta) – The United States is gravely concerned about reports of hostilities in Ethiopia’s Tigray and condemns any retaliatory attacks against civilians in the region, a State Department spokesman said on Monday, July 12, 2021.

The spokesman, Ned Price, told reporters the United States continues to call for a negotiated ceasefire to the conflict.

“We strongly condemn any retaliatory attacks that have been or may be directed against civilians in the Tigray region, whether by organized military or security forces or by rogue elements,” Price said.

“All those who are responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses must be held accountable,” he added.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the U.S. review into whether to call events in Tigray crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide was ongoing.

Conflict erupted in Tigray eight months ago between central government forces and the region’s ex-ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), now designated as terrorist by Ethiopian Parliament (AP).