Press Release
MI-24 Helicopter Gunship Shot Down;=20
31 Ethiopian Tanks Destroyed;
Three Others Captured

Intense fighting involving mechanized and infantry units of both sides continued the whole day today on the Mereb-Setit front. Ethiopia also used fighter planes.

Incomplete reports establish that 31 Ethiopian tanks were destroyed while three tanks have been captured. An Ethiopian MI-24 helicopter gunship was shot down by Eritrea's air defense units and crashed behind Eritrean defense lines.

The latest round of intense fighting on the Mereb-Setit front was launched by Ethiopia yesterday. Fighting is still continuing.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 24 February 1999