Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims Eritrean losses

Ethiopian forces and allied fighters say they have expanded control across Tigray and entered the historic city of Aksum, as fighting in the northern region continues. The pro-government militia, the Tigray Peace Force (TPF), also claimed on Thursday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea have retreated towards the border. Solomon Hailemariam, spokesperson for the TPF, said Eritrean forces had sustained significant casualties during the fighting. But Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel rejected the claims as false in comments to local media. The extent of the reported losses could not be independently verified.