This factor had the effect of forcing the rebels to also offer freedom to those who would serve in the Continental army.
On 30 August the rebels offered terms, which were refused.
The rebels offered to lay down their weapons in return for a guarantee of safety.
The Macedonian onslaught began just hours after the rebels offered to join peace talks.
The rebels last week offered to suspend attacks on Government officials as part of a peace proposal.
At Jharghati a little further on, the rebels offered some resistance.
Diplomats and army officers say it is possible that the rebels will offer to negotiate while mounting big attacks to demonstrate strength.
The rebels offered no immediate comment on the coup from their offices in Ethiopia.
The rebels continued firing long-range mortars at the troops, but offered only light resistance.
The rebels offered armed resistance and were killed in retaliatory fire.