US reports several explosions heard in Eritrea's capital

U.S. Embassy in Eritrea says six explosions were heard Saturday night in capital, Asmara. It follows an embassy report of ar “loud ise, possibly an explosion” in city on Friday, nearly two weeks after government of neighbouring Ethiopia’s defiant Tigray region confirmed firing missiles at city during its war with Ethiopian federal forces.

latest explosions came just hours after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory in his government’s fighting against forces of Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which runs rrn Tigray region bordering Eritrea. army said it was in “full control” of regional capital, Mekele, but government said TPLF leers remain on run.

TPLF leer earlier this month asserted that Eritrean forces were involved in fighting in Tigray at invitation of Ethiopia’s government, something dis Ababa has repeatedly denied. Fears have grown that 96,000 Eritrean refugees in camps just over border in Ethiopia are at risk.

U.S. has accused TPLF of seeking to “internationalize” dely conflict in which humanitarians say several hundred people have been killed, including civilians.

U.S. Embassy statement overnight vises American citizens to exercise caution and be aware “of ongoing conflict in Tigray region.” It also vises citizens to "monitor local news” in a country regarded by watchdogs as being highly repressive and having independent media.

fighting has threatened to destabilize Ethiopia, which has been described as linchpin of strategic Horn of Africa, and its neighbours. Food, fuel, cash and medical supplies have run desperately low. Nearly 1 million people have been displaced, including more than 40,000 who fled into Sudan. Camps home to 96,000 Eritrean refugees in rrn Tigray have been in line of fire.

(Im: AP)