Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan of backing Tigray rebels amid clashes

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   Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels

   Renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has escalated into what the TPLF calls a "full-blown war." Ethiopia's army chief has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the rebels. While the Ethiopian army claims to have repelled attacks and federal forces now control the Tigray capital, the TPLF claims to have seized airports and launched attacks into the Afar and Amhara regions. Diplomatic tensions have peaked with Eritrea severing ties after Ethiopia expelled its diplomats.

   Why it matters

   This resurgence of violence follows months of government aerial strikes in Tigray. Analysts warn the conflict could trigger a wider regional war involving the Horn of Africa and intersect with the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia's army chief accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing armed groups fighting federal troops.
   • The Tigray People's Liberation Front describes the current conflict as a "full-blown war."
   • Ethiopian federal forces currently control the Tigray capital.
   • Eritrea has severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia following the expulsion of Eritrean diplomats.
   • The TPLF has seized airports and launched attacks into the Amhara and Afar regions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Rebels have captured the Afar region.
   • A drone strike hit a Tigray TV station.
   • Pro-government forces captured a strategic Tigray town.

   What to watch next

   • Official responses from Egypt regarding accusations of rebel support
   • Evidence of further rebel advances into Amhara or Afar regions
   • Diplomatic intervention efforts by the Trump administration
   Sources used for this update (32)

   1. The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   2. BBC — Ethiopia's army says it has repelled TPLF attacks in first comment on fresh Tigray fighting
   3. CNN — War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray — and former enemies are now fighting together. What changed?
   4. Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
   5. ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict - Expert Insights
   6. The Economist — Renewed fighting in Ethiopia shows no sign of stopping
   7. France 24 — Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan of backing Tigray rebels amid clashes
   8. semafor.com — Exclusive / Democrats press Trump administration to intervene in Ethiopia
   9. reuters.com — Ethiopian pro-government forces claim capture of strategic Tigray town
   10. www.rfi.fr — Ethiopia accuses Sudan, Eritrea of backing Tigray forces as fighting escalates - RFI
   11. AP News — Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigray rebels
   12. doctorswithoutborders.org — Ethiopia: Hospitals see surge in war-wounded patients as fighting resumes
   confidence 90%