US warns against attacks against Eritrean refugees in Tigray

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The United States said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned about reports of attacks by military forces affiliated to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Tigrayan militias against Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region.

The US said it had received reports of violence in refugee camps in Tigray.

"We call on all armed actors in Tigray to stop attacks and intimidation against Eritrean forces and all refugees, asylum seekers and people displaced by the ongoing violence, as well as against the aid workers attempting to respond to the humanitarian disaster more broadly," the US State Department said in a statement.

This is not the first time Eritrean populations have been targeted in Tigray.

In January, credible reports indicated that Eritrean refugees suffered killings, targeted abductions, and forced returns to Eritrea at the hands of Eritrean forces.

"We call on all parties to adhere strictly to their obligations under international humanitarian law, and for those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses to be held accountable through independent and transparent processes," the US said.

-0- PANA AO/VAO 28July2021