US, France and Germany tell nationals to leave Ethiopia as PM commits to battle

Western nations urge citizens to fly out as Abiy Ahmed vows to lead troops in war against advancing Tigray rebels

The US, France and Germany have called on their nationals to leave Ethiopia immediately as the prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, vowed to lead his country's troops from the battlefront", the latest turn in a devastating year-long war with rebel groups.

The Nobel Peace prize winner said in a statement posted to Twitter: I will mobilise to the front to lead the defence forces. Those who want to be among the Ethiopian children who will be hailed by history, rise up for your country."