Flights to Ethiopia's historic town of Lalibela were suspended as fighting expanded in the country's north and residents in Tigray stocked up on food and cash amid fears of another major conflict. Reuters said four diplomats, two local residents and a regional source confirmed fighting near Lalibela and the flight suspension.
Lalibela is a UNESCO-listed site known for its medieval rock-hewn churches and sits on key routes in northern Ethiopia. A diplomatic source told Reuters that fighting was occurring around the town but had not yet moved inside it.
Ethiopia's military said it had repelled attacks by Tigrayan forces and killed, wounded or captured hundreds of opposing fighters. Reuters said it could not independently verify those figures. Tigray's leadership says it is fighting a defensive war in response to federal military action.
Residents in Mekelle and other towns reported buying food and withdrawing cash. The United Nations and European Union urged restraint and a return to the African Union-brokered peace process.