Eritrean opposition says stormed military hospital

March 22,2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Eritrean opposition Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Eritrean Kunama (DMLEK), on Sunday said that it had destroyed a military hospital located in the south-west region of Gash-Barka.

The recent operation, carried out on March 16, is a grand blow ever seen in the vicinity. The opposition group said in a Military communiqué.

“The military hospital of Gulul situated some 3kms from Forto or administrative office was attacked with RPG, hand grenades and other minor ammunitions.” It said.

“There were some 50 military officers watching TV and the whole hall was demolished by two RPG bullets from two directions.” It added. However, the rebel statement didn’t say if there were any causality from the attack.

Additional two classes were also destroyed through fire.

The rebel group pledged to intensify its attacks against the government. “The military operations will be intensified until the repressive regime is toppled,” worded the statement.

The Kunama opposition further said that the swift and harsh operation shall be recorded in the minds of the Eritrean Kunama and friends for the fact that it was carried out on the eve of the 14th anniversary celebration of the party.

Since last year DMLEK has mounted its military attacks against the Eritrean military facilities.

DMLEK accuses Isayas-led government of launching ethnic cleanse against the Kunamas, ethnic minority in the red sea nation.

The opposition party says struggling for the Kunama people’s ethnic, socio-political, territorial and economic rights. It is a member in an opposition large umbrella, the Eritrean Democratic Alliance.

(ST)