Nairobi, Oct. 18 -- The Ethiopian government on Monday said it plans to use military means to take control of all airports and other strategic infrastructure in the northern region of Tigray, despite an African Union (AU) appeal at the weekend that called for the immediate cessation of hostilities.

But at the same time, it reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through AU-led peace talks.

In a statement, the Ethiopian government said it will take military action on Tigray "to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country."

"It is thus imperative that the Government of Ethiopia assumes immediate control of all airports, other federal facilities, and installations in the region," said the st...