AMN PLUS-September 21, 2026
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), in a statement released on its official social media platform, this afternoon said members of the TPLF’s Army 17 who surrendered to the Northwestern Command on the western front said the care and treatment they received from the Defense Force was different from the propaganda circulated by TPLF leaders.
The fighters, who surrendered at the Tekeze area on September 17, 2026, said they voluntarily surrendered to the National Defense Force and received care beyond what they had expected, describing the experience as a source of relief.
“We found relief after surrendering to the National Defense Force,” they said.
They stated that local residents welcomed them peacefully and expressed appreciation for their decision to surrender and their commitment to peace.
The fighters also said they had not expected such a positive reception from the community, adding that they were happy to have chosen peace and returned to the National Defense Force and their people.
They further called on other fighters facing difficult circumstances to follow their example and surrender peacefully.
Colonel Abay Tadesse, Head of the Logistics Directorate of the Northwestern Command, who met the fighters as they were escorted to a facility prepared for them by the government, said their decision to surrender after recognizing what he described as the TPLF’s destructive agenda demonstrated their commitment to peace.
He also called on others to follow their example and leave what he described as the TPLF’s destructive trap.
By Leta Teresa
