U.S. 'gravely concerned' by escalating violence in Ethiopia ahead of envoy's visit

People clean a street in Megenagna neighbourhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia November 3, 2021. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is "gravely concerned" about escalating violence in Ethiopia and the expansion of hostilities and has repeated on Wednesday its call to all parties in the conflict to stop military operations and begin ceasefire talks.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on Tuesday with forces from the northern region of Tigray threatening to advance on the capital Addis Ababa.