Debretsion Gebremichael

Going into the bush gives their rebellion a better chance of surviving as an asymmetric conflict.

No one can say for sure where the TPLF's leaders, including the head of the group, Debretsion Gebremichael, are headed.

This is partly because phone and internet access across Tigray was cut off for more than a week, and service only resumed after federal forces took the city, and partly because they have done a pretty good job of keeping it a secret.

Reports have emerged that fighters have retreated to the northwestern parts of Tigray, including the cities of Axum and Shire, uh, while some within the government-aligned TPF claims that the TPLF's leaders had fled to Eritrea, a claim that is yet to be confirmed by independent third parties.

The claim has not been verified.

TPLF chair Debretsion Gebremichael acknowledged that federal forces occupy parts of the region.

He said his forces would counterattack in due course.

The fighting has spread to Amhara and Afar.