Press Release
Ethiopian Offensive on the Alitiena-Mereb Front Repulsed; Three Ethiopian MiG-23 Fighter Planes Shot Down

Ethiopian launched today a large scale offensive on the Alitiena-Mereb front. The attack started at 5:30 a.m. this morning.

Fierce fighting was still continuing throughout the entire front at press time. Ethiopian assaults throughout the day were repulsed, with the Ethiopian army suffering huge losses. Full details were not available at press time.

Three Ethiopian MiG-23 fighter planes were shot down by Eritrean air defense units. Ethiopian contingents on the right flank of the Alitiena-Mereb front were dislodged from some key positions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 23 May 2000