The government dismissed Monday's withdrawal announcement by the TPLF as a cover-up for military setbacks. The government communication service on Wednesday said the "gallant Ethiopian Defence Forces and the Amhara region security forces after sweeping the enemy force... have captured Alamata city", indicating that fighting would continue. "The Ethiopian National Defence Forces and the Amhara region security forces which are... destroying the fleeing terrorist clique are marching on Abergele," the government said, referring to a district in Tigray. The government dismissed Monday's withdrawal announcement by the TPLF as a cover-up for military setbacks. Communications have been cut in the conflict zone and access for journalists is restricted, making it difficult to verify battlefield claims.

Source: Ethiopian News December 22, 2021 20:10 UTC