The US Department of Treasury published on 23 August 2021 a statement titled "Treasury Sanctions Eritrean Military Leader in Connection with serious Human Rights Abuse in Tigray."
The US Treasury Department sanctioned General Filipos Woldeyohannes, chief of staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), for serious human rights abuse committed during the conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia. The sanctions charge the EDF with massacres, looting, and sexual assaults. EDF troops raped, tortured, and executed civilians, destroyed property and ransacked businesses.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued on 23 August 2021 a related statement titled "Sanctioning Eritrean Military Leader in Connection with Human Rights Abuse in Ethiopia."
Blinken said the United States is concerned that large numbers of EDF have re-entered Ethiopia after withdrawing in June. The US continues to urge all parties to the conflict, including the TPLF, to end abuses against civilians, take steps to de-escalate the conflict, allow for unimpeded humanitarian access, and commit to a negotiated ceasefire.
