News Release

Tuesday, May 25, 1999

Beginning on May 22, four Eritrean brigades attacked Ethiopian army positions for two days at the western front near the Mereb River. The Ethiopian defence forces successfully repelled the attack, killing more than 400 Eritrean soldiers and wounding 1,500.

In addition, Ethiopian troops captured various heavy and light armaments, as well as military radio communications. During the course of this battle, the Ethiopian air force played a major role, causing heavy losses to the Eritreans.

Eritrea initiated this military engagement in hopes of boosting the morale of the Eritrean people and armed forces as they celebrate the eighth anniversary of their liberation day on May 24. Morale has been particularly low since Eritrea's humiliating defeat at Badme in late February. Having failed militarily in its attack, Eritrea did not achieve its intended objectives.