Massive damage and looting has occurred in Adigrat, a diocese in Ethiopia's semi-autonomous region of Tigray, where the government launched a military offensive nearly two months ago, reported a delegation from the Ethiopian bishops' conference. Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, conference president, sent the delegation to the diocese in mid-January, with instructions to visit and physically see Bishop Tefaselassie Medhin of Adigrat. It also spoke of damage to a nearby Orthodox church and mosque as well as damages to church buildings. The Catholic Church report comes amid international media reports that churches and mosques in northern Tigray were attacked, with sacred treasures, including ancient manuscripts, damaged or looted. The team also said the administration offices and classroom buildings at Wukro St. Mary's Catholic College were broken and looted, with laptops and computers stolen.

Source: Ethiopian News January 23, 2021 05:03 UTC