Civilians returning slowly to mined town

A few civilians have started to return to the western regional capital, Barentu, following this weeks withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, a foreign correspondent in Asmara told IRIN. Eritrean forces have started to de-mine the town, but movements of civilians and visiting journalists are still restricted because of the danger of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines,
said one journalist. Barentu was looted, and some buildings destroyed, during the occupation and withdrawal of Ethiopian forces over the last two weeks. An Eritrean government statement claimed the Ethiopian army had "detonated" the main hotel and other "key commercial and private homes in Barentu" and had razed the petrol station, the town's municipality
buildings and other commerical centres.

As is typical of the conflict, Ethiopia's announcement of "withdrawal" was countered by an Eritrean declaration of "victory". Brigadier General Tekle Libsu told journalists visiting Barentu on Thursday that Ethiopia had been "pushed out" in a military victory in the west, reports AFP. Tekle said
Ethiopian troops remained in the western towns of Tokombia, Shambiko and Awrgaro, reports AFP. A government statement claimed Ethiopian troops were "staying put in various areas in western Eritrea" burning and looting "when retreating under military pressure". It listed Mai Dima as having been targetted on Friday.