Ethiopian prime minister gives Tigrayan rebels 72 hours to surrender

Abiy Ahmed urges peaceful' end to three-week conflict after generals say civilians in the regional capital Mekelle will be shown no mercy'

Ethiopia's prime minister has given Tigrayan rebel forces 72 hours to surrender before the army begins an offensive on the capital of the wartorn region.

As army tanks gathered around the city of Mekelle, Abiy Ahmed posted a message on Twitter on Sunday night which read: We urge you to surrender peacefully within 72 hours, recognising that you are at the point of no return."