Nearly 300 TPLF militants have surrendered to the North Western Command in the Tekeze area after rejecting war preparations and refusing to fight, military authorities announced.

The fighters turned themselves in along the left and right banks of the Tekeze Bridge on the western front. They stated that the 'Tsimdo' coalition formed with Shaebia, a historical enemy of both the Ethiopian and Tigrayan people, only brings harm to Tigray. The group arranged their surrender through prior contacts established with defense forces in the region.

Driven by the belief that political questions must be resolved through dialogue rather than arms, the surrendering personnel handed over more than 280 personal and crew-served weapons, substantial quantities of ammunition, field binoculars, and military documents.

The fighters noted they surrendered in opposition to leaders and gold-mining figures who have been forcibly conscripting local youth into combat to protect themselves from accountability. They reiterated that differences can only be settled through negotiation, not through the interests of oppressive leaders.

Command officials highlighted that those who surrendered include officers ranging from division commanders to battalion and company leaders, signaling that combatants are being forced into battle against their will.

The surrendering personnel added that the group's leadership remains intent on prolonging conflict through its 'Tsimdo' strategy, rejecting peace options and losing support among the public. They noted that many forcibly conscripted youths are awaiting the right moment to surrender.