During latest round of invasion of Raya Kobo Woreda and surrounding area (North Wollo Zone,Amhara Region, Ethiopia) since August 24, 2022
Third round of full-scale invasion by the TPLF into Amhara Region on August 24, 2022
In violation of the self-declared cessation of hostilities, on August 24th, 2022, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces began re-invading and attacking the Raya Kobo Woreda (district) of the North Wollo Zone in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, for the third time. Between June and December 2021, the TPLF invaded the Amhara and Afar Regions and caused immense suffering to civilians (second round of full-scale invasion in Amhara Region by TPLF). By late December 2021, TPLF forces were pushed out from many occupied areas but sporadic attacks continued despite the Ethiopian Government’s position that war had subsided. Between January to August 2022, several areas in Telemt/North Gonder, Raya/North Wollo and Wag Hemra Zones remained under TPLF control and were used as a base to launch further attacks. Telecommunications, electricity and banking services have been unavailable in areas occupied by TPLF where tens of thousands have been displaced and where remaining residents have been subject to further ethnic-based, targeted attacks by TPLF forces. Residents in these areas have also had no access to humanitarian assistance.
On August 24th, 2022, the TPLF opened large-scale attacks on Ethiopian allied forces stationed in Raya Kobo Woreda including Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Amhara Special Forces (ASF), and local volunteer “Fano” militias who organized to defend their people. Though, the TPLF shift blames that they were attacked first and acted in defense. The deadly consequences of the invasion that ensued during the following days prove that the TPLF forces instigated conflict to reinvade and cause mass suffering on the Amhara people once again. At the time of composing this report, the TPLF took control of large parts of Raya Kobo Woreda including Kobo town, the second most populous town (inhibited by 180,000 people) in the North Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region. Currently, the TPLF is fighting against the Ethiopian forces to seize the zonal capital, Woldia city.
Targeted attacks against Amhara civilians in occupied areas of Raya Kobo Woreda: at least 53 Amhara civilians killed by TPLF forces since August 24, 2022
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has received reports of widespread human rights violations such as targeted killings of civilians, rape, widespread property destruction, looting of farming villagers’ homes and essential service facilities (health institutions and schools) perpetrated by the TPLF.
