The Eritrean Defense Forces have captured an Ethiopian MI-35 helicopter gunship after the aircraft was forced down behind Eritrean defense lines yesterday. The aircraft was attempting to strafe Eritrean positions along the Mereb-Setit front when it sustained slight damage from Eritrean anti-aircraft fire and had to land behind Eritrean lines. The aircraft remains operational. Two Ethiopian tanks were also captured in two days of fighting along that front. Four Ethiopian tanks and three artillery trucks mounted with ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns were destroyed.

The EDF have estimated that some 10,000 Ethiopian soldiers were killed and 57 tanks destroyed in three days of fighting at the Tsorona front. A military spokesperson yesterday said, "The figure represents what we think is probably a low-end calculation. We simply can't count all of the bodies. This is not pleasant. Everything we are counting is literally on our doorstep and not complete."

Responding to Ethiopian denials that these losses had occurred, the spokesperson said, "Anyone is free to come and verify these claims. Our only objective is to create an awareness, particularly in Ethiopia of what is being spent. This is tragic. These are their soldiers whom they sent into battle. How can they deny them now?"