Thread by @AFP

The leader of Ethiopia's dissident Tigray region says his people are "ready to die" defending their homeland, rejecting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's ultimatum that they surrender within 72 hours u.afp.com/3FYp

#UPDATE The UN Security Council will convene its first meeting Tuesday on #Tigray, where forces loyal to the northern Ethiopian region's ruling party have been battling federal soldiers for nearly three weeks, sparking a refugee exodus u.afp.com/3FPp

#BREAKING UN Security Council meeting on Ethiopia cancelled: diplomats

#BREAKING Europeans force UN Security Council meeting on Ethiopia to go ahead: diplomats

#BREAKING At least 600 dead in November 9 Tigray massacre: Ethiopia rights body

#UPDATE International pressure mounted on Ethiopia's warring parties to cease fighting and protect civilians in Tigray, where the army says it has encircled the capital ahead of a threatened bombardment u.afp.com/3FeA