Ethiopia and Tigray accuse each of launching offensives, fuelling fears of new war
Ethiopia and Tigray forces are again accusing each other of launching offensives near Aksum following the collapse of the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, with the TPLF reporting it has inflicted significant casualties on government troops. The conflict now risks escalation involving Eritrea, as regional tensions deepen and Sudan demands UN accountability for drone attacks.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Fighting has resumed in Tigray, with regional forces taking control of three airports.
- ✓ Ethiopia and Eritrea have accused each other of provoking a war.
- ✓ The TPLF reports inflicting significant casualties on government troops and allied fighters near Aksum.
- ✓ The November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement has collapsed.
What changed
Regional forces have taken control of three airports in Tigray, expanding the battlefield beyond the Aksum area where initial clashes were reported.
Live updates
-
Fighting in Tigray resumes as regional clashes widen amid accusations between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Ethiopia and Tigray forces are again accusing each other of launching offensives near Aksum following the collapse of the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, with the TPLF reporting it has inflicted significant casualties on government troops. The conflict now risks escalation involving Eritrea, as regional tensions deepen and Sudan demands UN accountability for drone attacks.
Why it matters
The hostilities mark a sharp deterioration after a period of fragile stability, threatening to unravel the political settlement that ended the 2020-2022 war in Tigray. The involvement of Eritrea raises the spectre of a broader regional conflict, while Sudan's reaction to cross-border drone strikes signals growing diplomatic fallout across the Horn of Africa.
What is confirmed
- Fighting has resumed in Tigray, with regional forces taking control of three airports.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea have accused each other of provoking a war.
- The TPLF reports inflicting significant casualties on government troops and allied fighters near Aksum.
- The November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement has collapsed.
- The conflict is spreading as eight opposition groups form an armed alliance.
- Sudan demands UN accountability following drone attacks.
What to watch next
- Eritrean military involvement in Tigray operations
- Sudan's response to the drone attacks and potential UN intervention
- Outcomes of any diplomatic negotiations or ceasefire talks
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.cass-center.org — War Returns to Tigray as Clashes Widen in Northern Ethiopia
- www.diplomacy.edu — Ethiopia and Eritrea trade war accusations amid rising ...
- legis1.com — Ethiopia Conflict Spreads as Risk of War With Eritrea Grows
- newbusinessethiopia.com — ETHIOPIA’S CONVERGING CRISES: Armed Conflicts, Political ...
-
Tigray Rebels Claim Heavy Ethiopian Military Losses Near Aksum
Fighting in northern Ethiopia has intensified as the Tigray People's Liberation Front reports inflicting significant casualties on government troops and allied fighters near Aksum. These clashes follow the collapse of the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement and a September 2026 move by the TPLF to join the Alliance for Survival. The regional crisis now involves wider diplomatic friction, with Sudan demanding UN accountability following drone attacks that highlighted deteriorating relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa.
Why it matters
The conflict escalated after the TPLF attempted to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed by seizing regional airports. Eritrean forces have since entered northern Ethiopia, while Ethiopia has responded with drone strikes against logistics and ammunition.
Still unconfirmed
- TPLF forces killed 500 Ethiopian soldiers and wounded 800 near Aksum.
- Drone attacks have exposed deep divisions between Sudan and Ethiopia.
What to watch next
- Independent verification of casualty figures near Aksum
- UN response to Sudan's demand for accountability
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.aljazeera.com — Deadly RSF drone attacks reveal deep divisions between Sudan ...
- news.az — Why is Ethiopia's Tigray conflict escalating again despite ...
- www.aa.com.tr — Tigray rebels claim 500 Ethiopian soldiers killed, 800 ...
-
Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Collapses as Eritrean Troops Advance
Renewed warfare between Ethiopia and Tigray has shattered the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, threatening a humanitarian catastrophe marked by civilian displacement and disrupted services. In September 2026, the Tigray People's Liberation Front joined the Alliance for Survival to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, seizing regional airports. The conflict has intensified as Eritrean forces advanced up to sixty kilometres into northern Ethiopia, prompting Ethiopian drone strikes against lorries and ammunition. Both nations have severed diplomatic ties amid escalating regional tensions.
Why it matters
The collapse of the peace process follows a breakdown in the alliance between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, whose 2018 diplomatic thaw previously earned a Nobel Peace Prize. Renewed fighting jeopardizes the stability of the Red Sea corridor, which handles twelve per cent of global trade. Observers warn that intersecting regional disputes risk drawing in multiple armed factions, including the Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army.
What is confirmed
- The 2022 Pretoria peace agreement between the Ethiopian federal government and Tigrayan forces has shattered amid renewed fighting.
- In September 2026, the Tigray People's Liberation Front joined the Alliance for Survival and seized regional airports.
- Eritrean troops have crossed into northern Tigray, advancing up to sixty kilometres into Ethiopian territory.
- Ethiopia responded to the incursions with multiple drone strikes targeting Eritrean forces, destroying lorries and ammunition.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties.
Still unconfirmed
- Eritrea is providing financial backing to the Alliance for Survival.
- Civilians have died as a result of Ethiopian drone strikes against Eritrean forces in northern Tigray.
What to watch next
- Further movements and engagement of Eritrean troops in northern Tigray
- Official casualty verifications regarding the reported civilian deaths from drone strikes
- The operational trajectory of the Alliance for Survival and allied armed groups
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.cfr.org — Latest News – Conflict in Ethiopia | Global Conflict Tracker
- acleddata.com — Conflict in Ethiopia | ACLED
- eurafrica.info — Why Ethiopia and Eritrea’s march to war demands global ...
- allafrica.com — Ethiopia: Fading Hopes, Rising Needs - Renewed Fighting ...
-
Ethiopia and Tigray Clash Anew as Regional Alliances Unravel
Ethiopia and Tigrayan authorities are trading blame for new military offensives, pushing the region toward renewed conflict after the collapse of the peace process. Government-allied forces have seized the Tigray capital of Mekelle and installed a new administration, prompting a rebel commander to vow continued resistance. This escalation revives fears of a wider war across the Horn of Africa, as a previous alliance between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and neighboring Eritrea has unraveled. International observers warn that intersecting disputes over Red Sea access and Nile waters compound the danger of a multi-front regional crisis.
Why it matters
The 2020-2022 war in Tigray caused an estimated 500,000 civilian deaths from violence, famine, and health service collapse, according to Ghent University researchers. Renewed fighting threatens to plunge the fragile region back into humanitarian catastrophe while drawing in external actors. The current hostilities also connect internal governance struggles with broader international rivalries stretching to Egypt.
What is confirmed
- A rebel commander pledged to continue fighting government-allied forces after they seized Ethiopia's Tigray capital.
- The 2020-2022 war caused an estimated 500,000 civilian deaths through violence, famine, and collapsed health services, according to researchers at Ghent University in Belgium.
- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for making peace with neighboring Eritrea before their armies joined forces against Tigrayan fighters.
Still unconfirmed
- Renewed clashes in the Tigray region represent the culmination of unresolved issues stemming from the 1990 Pretoria Agreement.
- The breakdown of the alliance between Ethiopia and Eritrea raises fears of a direct war between the former allies.
What to watch next
- Direct military engagements between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces
- Further shifts in administrative control within Tigray
- International diplomatic interventions regarding Red Sea access and Nile water disputes
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.alestiklal.net — How Clashes Are Escalating in Tigray and the Conflict Is ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Tigray rebels urged to disarm as commander vows to fight ...
- eurafrica.info — A look at how Ethiopia’s wars, sea ambitions and Nile dam ...
-
Ethiopia and Tigray Tensions Revive Regional War Fears
Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front are accusing each other of launching new military offensives, reviving fears of a full-scale civil war and a broader regional conflict involving neighboring Eritrea. Federal forces have pushed back Tigrayan fighters and installed a new administration in Mekelle after renewed fighting erupted. Tigrayan authorities declared that the November 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement collapsed over the summer, pointing to federal war preparations. International observers warn that the escalating standoff in northern Tigray threatens wider stability, compounded by ongoing disputes over Red Sea access and Nile waters.
Why it matters
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed secured the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 after making peace with Eritrea, but relations between the former allies have severely deteriorated. Ongoing instability in Tigray intersects with Ethiopia's broader geopolitical ambitions regarding sea access and the Nile dam. These overlapping flashpoints heighten the risk of a wider regional conflagration.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopia has installed a new administration in conflict-hit Tigray after federal forces pushed back Tigrayan fighters.
- Renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region unfolds alongside a worsening confrontation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Still unconfirmed
- Tigrayan authorities aligned with the Tigray People's Liberation Front accused the Ethiopian federal government of preparing for war.
What to watch next
- Any military movements or direct clashes involving Eritrean forces
- Official diplomatic interventions regarding the status of the Pretoria Peace Agreement
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- warmonit.com — Ethiopia – Tigray: what is happening now? | WarMonit
- www.independent.co.uk — A look at how Ethiopia’s wars, sea ambitions and Nile dam ...
- wtop.com — A look at how Ethiopia’s wars, sea ambitions and Nile dam ...
- news.abplive.com — Ethiopia-Eritrea Conflict Fears Grow As Tigray Violence ...
- jamestown.org — Standoff in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Could Ignite Regional War
-
Ethiopia and Tigray Clashes Renew Regional War Fears
Renewed fighting in Ethiopia between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front has erupted into a full-scale civil war, driving fears of a broader regional conflict with neighboring Eritrea. Federal forces have captured the regional capital of Mekelle and installed a new administration after pushing back Tigrayan fighters. While daily life has partially resumed in Mekelle, ongoing instability, economic hardship, and disputes over Red Sea ports and Nile waters continue to threaten regional stability. International observers warn that military advances in northern Tigray increase the risk of war with Eritrea.
Why it matters
The current conflict mirrors the previous war fought between 2020 and 2022, following a familiar pattern where federal troops cross the border and capture cities while Tigrayan forces move to rural areas. This military escalation comes amid broader geopolitical tensions involving Red Sea access and water rights. Washington and the United Nations have previously urged de-escalation as reports of Eritrean forces operating inside northern Ethiopia circulate.
What is confirmed
- Fighting broke out in Ethiopia's Tigray region between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
- Ethiopia has installed a new administration in conflict-hit Tigray after federal forces pushed back Tigrayan fighters and captured Mekelle.
- Renewed fighting and tensions with Eritrea, alongside disputes over Red Sea ports and Nile waters, are raising fears of a wider regional war.
Still unconfirmed
- The international landscape is defined by an escalating war between the United States and Iran, alongside trade shifts and environmental governance crises.
What to watch next
- Any direct military engagement between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces along the border.
- Diplomatic interventions by the United Nations or Washington to prevent regional escalation.
- Developments regarding disputes over Nile waters and Red Sea access.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- gardnermagazine.com — World News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
- www.africanews.com — Ethiopian gains in Tigray risk wider war with Eritrea ...
- fortune.com — Ethiopia conflict raises fears of wider war with Eritrea and ...
- www.dw.com — Can diplomacy stop another Ethiopia-Eritrea war? - dw.com
- www.aljazeera.com — Tigray resumes daily life amid fears of wider war | News | Al ...
- warontherocks.com — Fighting in Ethiopia and the Risk of Regional Spillover
- martinplaut.com — The Tigray war takes a familiar pattern – Martin Plaut
-
Ethiopian Troops Move Toward Eritrean Border Amid Escalating Tigray Fighting
Ethiopian forces have massed tanks and heavy weaponry near the Eritrean border as renewed fighting in the Tigray region drives fears of a broader regional war. The military escalation follows the retaking of the regional capital Mekelle by Ethiopian forces. Washington has urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to de-escalate rising tensions. Eritrea previously asked the United Nations Security Council to take deterrent measures against Ethiopia, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep worry over reports of Eritrean forces operating inside northern Ethiopia.
Why it matters
The renewed military movements threaten to collapse a fragile peace deal that followed months of rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Diplomatic ruptures and direct military engagements risk pulling neighboring states into a wide-scale conflict in the Horn of Africa. International actors are pushing for immediate restraint to prevent the resumption of full-scale war.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopian troops are advancing toward Eritrea with tanks and heavy weapons.
- Washington has called for de-escalation as military movements and renewed fighting in Tigray raise fears of a wider conflict.
What to watch next
- Any official response from the UN Security Council regarding Eritrea's request for deterrent measures
- Direct military clashes between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces at the border
- Further diplomatic intervention from Washington or the United Nations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
- www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopia | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.wionews.com — Washington calls for 'de-escalation' as Ethiopia-Eritrea ...
- thesudantimes.com — Ethiopia masses tanks near Eritrean border as war fears grow
-
Ethiopia and Eritrea Trade War Accusations Amid Tigray Fighting
Ethiopia and Eritrea have traded accusations of starting a war of aggression as fighting escalates in the Tigray region. Ethiopian forces have retaken the regional capital of Mekelle following renewed clashes. The renewed conflict follows months of rising tensions and a fragile peace deal. Eritrea has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to take deterrent measures against Ethiopia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep worry over reports of Eritrean forces operating inside northern Ethiopia. The diplomatic rupture and military escalation threaten to pull neighboring states into a broader regional war.
Why it matters
The 2022 peace agreement that ended the previous devastating conflict in northern Ethiopia is rapidly unraveling. Territorial disputes and shifting alliances have brought federal troops and the Tigray People's Liberation Front back into active combat. The friction now draws in neighboring Eritrea, which severed diplomatic ties with Addis Ababa following mutual accusations of provoking hostilities.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopian forces retook the Tigray regional capital of Mekelle on October 3.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea accused each other of starting a war of aggression.
- Eritrea asked the United Nations Security Council to take deterrent measures against Ethiopia.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the renewed fighting.
Still unconfirmed
- Ethiopian officials estimate that up to 8,000 Eritrean soldiers are present in Tigray.
- Eritrean troops pushed up to 60 km into Tigray.
What to watch next
- United Nations Security Council action regarding Eritrea's formal request for deterrent measures.
- Further troop movements and kinetic engagements along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Ethiopia controls Tigray capital as regional ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting
- www.thenationalnews.com — Why has war returned to Ethiopia?
- www.aljazeera.com — Will Ethiopia’s neighbours intervene as Tigray war escalates?
- www.aa.com.tr — EXPLAINER - Why renewed Tigray fighting is raising fears of ...
- www.theguardian.com — Ethiopia launches drone attack against Eritrean troops who ...
- concentric.io — Ethiopia's Return to War: A Fragmented Fight - Concentric
- www.europesays.com — Fighting in Ethiopia threatens renewed civil war ...
- www.france24.com — Eritrea and Ethiopia accuse each other of provoking war as ...
- www.dropsitenews.com — Ansarallah attacks Saudi airports; Russia kills 33 in Ukraine bus attack; Americans are financially worse....
- news.un.org — UN chief ‘gravely concerned’ by renewed fighting in northern ...
- www.ftlsomalia.com — Eritrea-Ethiopia Standoff Escalates as Somalia Watches Its Regional Partners Confront Each Other
-
Eritrea severs ties with Ethiopia amid escalating Tigray conflict
Eritrea has cut diplomatic relations with Ethiopia following the expulsion of its diplomats. This diplomatic break coincides with renewed fighting in Tigray and accusations from Addis Ababa that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are supporting a rebel alliance. While the three nations deny these claims, Tigray rebels have claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Addis Ababa. The conflict is expanding beyond Tigray, driven by territorial disputes and shifting alliances in northern Ethiopia.
Why it matters
The region is struggling to maintain a fragile peace agreement after previous clashes caused hundreds of deaths. Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in East Africa, making regional stability critical to avoid widespread civilian casualties.
Still unconfirmed
- Tigray rebels conducted a drone attack on Addis Ababa.
- Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are backing a rebel alliance.
What to watch next
- Official responses from Sudan and Egypt regarding the accusations of backing rebels
- Evidence of further drone strikes or military incursions into Addis Ababa
- Diplomatic efforts to restore ties between Asmara and Addis Ababa
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.bbc.com — Ethiopia fighting: Are Tigray's TPLF forces and the army heading back to war?
- www.aljazeera.com — How the fighting in Ethiopia spread beyond Tigray, in maps ...
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Will the Horn of Africa become the latest regional battleground?
- www.ynetnews.com — Eritrea cuts ties with Ethiopia as rebels claim drone attack on Addis Ababa - ynetglobal
-
Tigray Rebels Declare Full-Blown War on Ethiopian Government
Tigray rebels declared themselves in a state of full-blown war with the federal government as violent clashes triggered reports of hundreds of deaths. Ethiopia faces the threat of renewed conflict after heavy artillery attacks hit neighbouring states, straining a fragile peace agreement. Addis Ababa previously accused Sudan and Eritrea of backing armed groups against federal forces, while Khartoum rejected those claims. The escalation threatens the stability of East Africa's second most populous nation, raising urgent concerns over civilian casualties and regional spillover effects.
Why it matters
Ethiopia holds a population of around 138 million inhabitants in the Horn of Africa, sharing borders with Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti. The modern Tigray Region historically housed the ancient Aksumite Kingdom, establishing a deep political root in northern territorial disputes. Renewed fighting directly threatens the 2022 peace agreement that sought to stabilize the nation following extensive regional conflict.
What is confirmed
- Tigray rebels declared they were in a state of full-blown war with the federal government on Thursday.
- Reports indicate that hundreds of people have died amid the escalating violence.
What to watch next
- Further official statements from the Ethiopian federal military regarding military operations in the north
- Responses from regional governments in Sudan and Eritrea regarding any new accusations of supporting armed groups
- Assessments of civilian casualties and the status of heavy artillery attacks in neighbouring states
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- en.wikipedia.org — Ethiopia - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Ethiopia - Wikipedia
- www.worldatlas.com — Ethiopia Maps & Facts - World Atlas
- www.omanobserver.om — Ethiopia faces renewed war as Tigray rebels attack - Oman Observer
- www.visitethiopia.et — Welcome to Visit Ethiopia
-
Ethiopia and Tigray Return to War as Regional Tensions Rise
Ethiopia faces the threat of a new civil war as Tigray rebels declare themselves in a state of full-blown war with the federal government. Hundreds of people have died, and heavy artillery attacks have occurred in neighbouring states. Ethiopia's federal military states it is handling the rising tensions in the north with restraint. Meanwhile, Addis Ababa claims that Sudan and Eritrea are supporting the armed groups fighting federal forces. Khartoum rejects these accusations as renewed fighting strains the 2022 peace agreement.
Why it matters
The escalating conflict threatens to unravel the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war in northern Ethiopia. Federal forces and Tigray rebels now trade blame for initiating the renewed hostilities, which have drawn in allegations of foreign involvement from Sudan and Eritrea. The widening instability risks a broader national crisis as alliances challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration.
What is confirmed
- Tigray rebels told AFP they are in a state of full-blown war with the federal government.
- Ethiopia accused Sudan and Eritrea of backing armed groups fighting its federal forces in the north.
- Khartoum rejected allegations from Addis Ababa that it is backing armed groups in northern Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- Reports indicate hundreds of people have been killed alongside heavy artillery attacks in neighbouring states.
What to watch next
- Any official response or troop movements from Eritrea regarding the Addis Ababa backing allegations
- Further statements or military actions from Ethiopia's federal army regarding the northern tensions
- Developments concerning the seven-group alliance challenging Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.myjoyonline.com — Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war - MyJoyOnline
- www.rfi.fr — Tigray rebels in 'full-blown' war with govt - RFI
- www.yahoo.com — Ethiopia accuses Sudan, Eritrea of backing Tigray forces as fighting escalates
-
Ethiopia and Tigray Trade Blame as Civil War Resumes
Renewed warfare in northern Ethiopia threatens the 2022 peace agreement that concluded a two-year conflict. Forces aligned with the Tigray People's Liberation Front launched a major offensive against the federal government on Wednesday. Both sides accuse each other of starting the open conflict with recent attacks. The federal government lost control of airports in Tigray following drone strikes and rebel seizures. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to the regional capital after rebels took over Mekelle airport. A seven-group alliance is now challenging Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, escalating fears of a widening national crisis.
Why it matters
The outbreak of hostilities risks unraveling the fragile stability achieved after years of devastating civil war in the region. A coalition of seven groups has emerged to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, complicating federal efforts to contain the unrest. Local residents are stocking up on supplies as the fighting widens across the country.
What is confirmed
- Fighting erupted again in northern Ethiopia as Tigray rebels and the federal government entered a full-blown war.
- Both the Ethiopian government and Tigray authorities accuse each other of launching offensives and triggering a return to open conflict.
- Tigrayan rebels seized Mekelle airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights.
Still unconfirmed
- Local authorities seized Tigray airports following recent drone strikes.
- A seven-group alliance is targeting critical sites as part of the renewed conflict.
What to watch next
- Federal military deployments or counter-offensives in the Tigray region
- Official statements from the seven-group rebel alliance regarding their operational targets
- Further flight suspensions or transport restrictions imposed by Ethiopian Airlines
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopia and Tigray accuse each of launching offensives, fuelling fears of new war - BBC News
- www.standardmedia.co.ke — Tigray rebels in 'full-blown' war with govt - The Standard
- www.tuko.co.ke — Ethiopian Govt Loses Second Major Airport to Rebels, Airline Suspend Flights - Tuko.co.ke
- www.yahoo.com — At least 11 dead in South Africa after house party shooting
- Mwakilishi.com — Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Wednesday 23 September 2026 | Mwakilishi.com
- nationaldailyng.com — Ethiopia’s renewed Tigray fighting raises fears of wider regional war – National Daily Newspaper
-
Tigrayan Forces and Ethiopian Government Clash as Civil War Fears Rise
Fighting has erupted in northern Ethiopia, with Tigrayan leaders declaring a new war has begun. Local forces have seized the Mekelle airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights to the Tigray capital. While the Ethiopian army claims to have repelled TPLF attacks, reports indicate fighting is widening across the country. A new rebel alliance is reportedly targeting critical sites, leading residents in the Tigray region to stock up on supplies amid fears of a return to full-scale conflict.
Why it matters
This violence follows a 2022 peace deal that ended one of the 21st century's deadliest conflicts. The current escalation threatens to shatter that agreement and could potentially spread across the Horn of Africa.
What is confirmed
- Local forces have seized the Mekelle airport in Tigray.
- Ethiopian Airlines canceled flights to the Tigray capital.
- Tigrayan leaders state a new war with the Ethiopian government has begun.
- The Ethiopian army reported it repelled TPLF attacks.
- Fighting is widening across Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- Ethiopia's president claims the country has shown restraint despite interference.
What to watch next
- Official government confirmation of the status of the 2022 peace deal
- Evidence of the conflict spreading beyond northern Ethiopia into the Horn of Africa
- Verification of the composition of the new rebel alliance
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (19)
- Reuters — Tigrayan leaders say new war with Ethiopian government has begun, as fighting erupts
- apnews.com — Ethiopian Airlines cancels flights to Tigray capital as soldiers take over airport
- BBC — Ethiopia's Mekelle airport in Tigray seized by local forces, residents tell the BBC.
- ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict Alert: The TPLF Move On Critical Sites After Heading a New Alliance. A new phase of the next war?
- The New York Times — Tigray Region Mobilizes Forces Against Ethiopian Central Government
- The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
- Reuters — Ethiopia has shown restraint despite interference, president says
- The Washington Post — Attacks by new rebel alliance stoke fear Ethiopia is returning to war
- NPR — Fears of return to war grow in Ethiopia's Tigray region
- dw.com — Ethiopia: Where does the Tigray conflict go from here?
- Financial Times — Ethiopia on the brink of civil war after rebel offensive
- The Hill — Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia effectively shatters peace deal that ended 2022 war
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community