At least 64 killed; 180 injured
UN demanded an urgent investigation as an Ethiopian air strike on a market in the war-torn Tigray region killed at least 64 people and injured 180, an official of the rebel territory said.
"The air strike was in the market area, so many, many people were injured," Mulu Atsbaha, an advisor to the Tigray regional administration on maternal and child health said yesterday.
The strike on Tuesday in Togoga town also left 180 injured, Mulu added.
He said the toll had been gathered from residents of Togoga town, 30 kilometres (18 miles) north-west of the regional capital Mekele, and "confirmed with local leaders".
Ethiopia's army spokesman yesterday said that the military carried out the attack on Togoga, but said rebel fighters were the target.
But survivors and health workers described aerial explosions striking a busy market at the peak of trading, killing and injuring dozens, including children.
The attack came as vote counting was underway following Monday's national elections in Ethiopia. However, the conflict in Tigray meant no vote was held there, and the region has seen an upsurge in fighting in recent days.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to Tigray in November to oust the dissident regional leadership, promising a swift victory. But nearly eight months later, fighting continues, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis with the UN warning 350,000 people are on the brink of famine.
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