Ethiopia’s military has defeated local forces in the west of Tigray state, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday, accusing his foes of atrocities during a week of fighting that threatens to destabilise the Horn of Africa.

Airstrikes and ground combat have killed hundreds and sent refugees flooding into Sudan.

The conflict has also stirred Ethiopia’s ethnic divisions and raised questions over the credentials of Abiy, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.

Abdullahi Hassan reports.