Calgary police chief says Falconridge clash was 'largest violent event' in recent memory

Calgary police say no charges have been laid in a violent clash in the northeast community of Falconridge on Saturday that saw many people injured.

Calgary police say no charges have been laid in a violent clash in the northeast community of Falconridge on Saturday that saw many people injured, but a task force has been formed to investigate who should face charges.

Chief Constable Mark Neufeld spoke about the large-scale altercation at a news conference on Tuesday, saying it was a "planned, targeted attack."

"We believe that the situation is linked to the ongoing conflict involving some members of the Eritrean community and is related to similar events we've seen transpire around the world," he said.

The clash began at 5 p.m. on Saturday, when two groups with opposing views engaged in a violent fight.

This year marks 30 years since Eritrea became independent from Ethiopia. Since its separation, the country has been led by President Isaias Afwerki. Millions of Eritreans have fled the country, which has no elections or free media.

The anniversary has been marked by several clashes between rival Eritrean groups, with events in Toronto and Edmonton, as well as a clash in Israel last Friday.

Neufeld says Calgary police arrived on scene to find people armed with weapons like sticks and bats, some even wearing helmets, engaged in a battle.