Fighting between local militias and the military has intensified and extended in Ethiopia‘s restive Amhara region.
Residents in the region’s two largest cities, Bahir Dar, the capital, and old Gondar, have reported violent skirmishes.
Militia activists and media outlets claim to have taken control of areas of Bahir Dar, but there is a substantial military presence surrounding the city’s airport and the state-run TV station.
Flights to regional airports, including the one at Lalibela, home to the iconic rock-hewn churches, are still suspended.
The militias also claim to control other towns, including substantial portions of Debre Birhan, an industrial powerhouse 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Addis Abeba, the federal capital.
Residents reported severe fighting, but the claim wasn’t independently confirmed, according to the BBC.
On Sunday, intelligence chief Temesgen Tiruneh, the head of a command post formed to oversee a state of emergency decree issued on Friday, confirmed militias had taken control of some districts and urged the population to support the military.
Meanwhile, arrests were reported over the weekend in Addis Abeba.
Activists accuse the government of targeting ethnic Amharas, citing thousands of arrests.
Many inmate families were observed gathered near a high school campus where their loved ones were claimed to be detained.
Communications Minister Legesse Tulu confirmed arrests in connection with the incident in a statement but did not disclose details.
Christian Tadele, an opposition MP, is among those detained.
Mr Christian accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration of invading the Amhara region in a Facebook post last week.
