Ethiopian forces push back against rebels ------------------------------------------------ Ethiopia’s government says it has recaptured two strategic towns from Tigrayan rebel fighters, the latest in a series of territorial gains claimed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration ------------------------------------------------ Towns recently recaptured by pro-government forces ERITREA TIGRAY SUDAN Mekele DJIBOUTI AFAR Shewa Robit OROMIA A2 highway Lake Tana Lalibela AMHARA Dessie Kombolcha Addis Ababa ETHIOPIA 200km 125 miles ------------------------------------------------ Abiy Ahmed (above) rose to power in 2018, ushering in political reforms that sidelined TPLF – party which had dominated Ethiopia’s central government for almost 30 years ------------------------------------------------ TIMELINE OF ETHIOPIA’S TIGRAY CONFLICT ------------------------------------------------ Nov 2020: Conflict erupts when Abiy sends troops into Tigray to topple Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – region’s ruling party. Abiy accuses TPLF of attacking Ethiopian army base ------------------------------------------------ Jun 28, 2021: Government announces ceasefire after TPLF retakes regional capital, Mekele ------------------------------------------------ Aug 5: TPLF captures UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela, as conflict spreads to neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar ------------------------------------------------ Oct 29-31: TPLF seizes strategic towns of Dessie and Kombolcha, situated on main A2 highway leading to Addis Ababa ------------------------------------------------ Nov 2: Government declares nationwide state of emergency and calls on citizens to arm themselves to defend capital ------------------------------------------------ Dec: Abiy’s administration claims series of victories against rebels, including recapture of Shewa Robit and Lalibela (Dec 1), followed by Dessie and Kombolcha (Dec 6) ------------------------------------------------ Sources: AFP, BBC, Reuters Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS