The United States says it is “gravely concerned” by reports that dozens of civilians were killed or injured when a village market in northern Tigray region was bombed on Tuesday.
“We strongly condemn this reprehensible act,” the Spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price, said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to reports, security agents denied medical personnel access to the victims of the horrific incident, warning that denying victims urgently required medical attention is “heinous and completely wrong.”
The United States has asked Ethiopian authorities to provide complete and unrestricted medical care to the victims as soon as possible.
It also called for an urgent and independent investigation, as well as remedial action, to hold those responsible for this attack accountable.
The United States again urged an immediate ceasefire in Tigray, unhindered humanitarian access, and protection for civilians.
The conflict in Tigray is the result of months of escalating tensions between the Ethiopian Government and the dominant regional force, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, on 4 November, 2020, ordered a military offensive after TPLF forces attacked a federal army base.
Fighting has sparked massive displacement, widespread destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure, loss of employment and a huge humanitarian crisis.