Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
TPLF Forces Open Fire on Civilians in Mekhoni After Failed Arrest Attempt
Mekhoni, Raya – August 18, 2025
By Staff Writer
Tensions flared in Mekhoni town today after members of TPLF’s Army Unit 43 attempted to forcibly arrest Colonel Halefom Mehari, widely known as “Tenshion,” near the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
According to local sources, Colonel Halefom a former deputy head of the Raya Azebo militia office and former vice commander in Army Unit 26 resisted the arrest, sparking a confrontation. In the aftermath, the TPLF unit opened fire indiscriminately on civilians in the busy town center.
Haftu Kiros, the administrator of Debub Zoba, has confirmed that TPLF armed units are currently firing on civilians in Mekhoni. At least four people have been wounded in the attack, with the number expected to rise as the situation unfolds.
Eyewitnesses report that residents from across Raya are rushing into Mekhoni in shock and anger, while the town remains tense and uncertain.
“This is an urgent cry for justice,” Haftu Kiros said, describing the shootings as deliberate and unjustified. “Ordinary people who have committed no crime are being attacked. We cannot stand by in silence.”
Human rights defenders are calling for immediate international attention to prevent the violence from escalating further. Locals warn that if left unchecked, the crisis could spiral out of control.
So far, at least six civilians are reported to have sustained serious injuries:
Hagos Kelali Demoze – leg injury
Znabu Asre Kahsay – severe neck wound
Birhanu Yaya Shayne – arm injury
Abduselem Ali – currently in a coma
Yisak Senetsay – arm injury
Merse Arbsie Kiros – head injury
Residents of Mekhoni described the incident as “an unprovoked assault on ordinary people,” warning that the atmosphere remains volatile as more crowds pour into the town in anger and fear.
Local officials have condemned the attack and are demanding accountability, stressing that civilians must never be made targets in political or military confrontations.
Residents of Mekhoni are calling for a demonstration this afternoon, while observers urge diaspora Tigrayans and neighboring zones to coordinate in preventing further bloodshed.
The interim Tigray regional government has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
