Jordan, Lebanon asks nationals in Ethiopia to leave

BEIRUT

Lebanon and Jordan on Sunday asked their citizens in Ethiopia, where a state of emergency was declared, to leave as soon as possible.

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry said nationals were urged to leave immediately.

Jordan said its nationals were cautioned be extremely careful and to leave as soon as possible.

It added that it recommended their citizens contact the Jordanian Embassy in Addis Ababa in case of need and assistance.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency Monday, as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) made military gains in the Amhara region, adjacent to the Tigray region.

Last week, the TPLF said it had controlled the strategic cities of Disi and Kombolcha in the northern state of Amhara.

Millions have been internally displaced due to the Tigray conflict according to the UN, which warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray last November in response to attacks on army camps by the TPLF.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar