Protesters believe that the conflict in Tigray could have adverse effects on the rest of Africa. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed) 
Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), made the claim a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the military had taken the Tigray regional capital Mekelle and completed its operation.
There was no immediate comment from the Ethiopian government or military.
Claims from all sides have been difficult to verify as phone and internet links to Tigray have been down and access has been tightly controlled since fighting erupted on Nov. 4. (Reporting by Addis Ababa newsroom Editing by Frances Kerry)