ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian federal forces have announced the capture of at least seven more areas in Afar and Amhara regions almost two weeks after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that he was going to command forces by himself after reports of TPLF advance on Addis Ababa sparked international concerns.

Yesterday, senior members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the United States told Sudans Post that there were disagreements among the rebel forces after opposition chief Debretsion Gebremichael decided to purge top TPLF commanders for retreating following the federal army onslaught.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office said the army has captured, in the Woreillu Front, areas of Ajbar, Tenta and Dob, while Majete, Chereti, Iriqe, Woledi, Albuko, Kemisse towns and most of Qalu Woreda were “liberated from the terrorist TPLF group” from the Kemisse Front.

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But in a recorded speech, the embattle Debretsion maintained that Addis Ababa is determined to fight, adding that TDF will not have any option but to fight back for the sake of her people.

Debretsion Gebremichael alleged that Addis Ababa has mobilized resources to exterminate Tigray people, adding that there were possibilities of Addis Ababa using external assistance, including but not limited to sophisticated weapons.

“Near its demise, the enemy is doing everything not to be buried. This is what we are seeing now,” he said. “The enemy is using not only what is in its hand but also weapons from outside to attack us.”

“The war is of heavy fighting in nature. We have never underestimated this. We must understand that the enemy is trying its best not to die. The enemy is mobilizing massive resources including external assistance but this will never change the outcome,” he added.