Number of Elephants Killed in Tanzania Has Increased Sharply

Government suspended its anti-poaching operation after only one month

The killing of elephants has increased sharply in Tanzania since the government suspended its anti-poaching operation after a month, Deputy Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu has said.

Sixty elephants were "butchered" in November and December, compared with only two in October, Mr Nyalandu added.

The security forces adopted a shoot-to-kill policy against poachers when the operation was in force in October.

The government suspended it after an inquiry reported human rights abuses.