Tigray rebels vow to drive out ‘enemies’ despite ceasefire declaration

Government forces invaded Tigray in November sparking condemnation of prime minister

Dissident leaders of Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray have dismissed a government ceasefire declaration and vowed to drive out enemies" from the region, after rebel fighters advanced on the Tigrayan capital.

In a dramatic development in the nearly eight-month-old conflict, which has been marked by large-scale atrocities, federal security forces and officials from the Addis-appointed interim government fled Mekelle on Monday night. Residents took to the streets in jubilation, firing celebratory gunfire and fireworks into the sky.