Ethiopia: No regard for civilians as fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region continues

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Fighting Escalates in Ethiopia's Tigray Region

   Renewed civil war in Ethiopia's Tigray region intensifies, resulting in civilian casualties and drawing international concern. Fighting in Alamata killed 52 civilians, according to a medic speaking to the BBC. Meanwhile, pro-government forces claim the capture of a strategic Tigray town. Pope Francis appealed for dialogue as the conflict spreads. The escalation has trapped foreign nationals, prompting the airlift of a group of Israelis from Lalibela after days of being stuck amid rebel advances. The conflict threatens regional stability as former enemies fight together and external tensions rise.

   Why it matters

   The renewed conflict shows the unravelling of Ethiopia's previous peace deal in the Tigray region. Regional stability faces mounting threats as the civil war draws accusations of outside support involving neighbouring countries. Pope Francis has appealed for dialogue to halt the worsening humanitarian crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Renewed fighting has returned to Ethiopia's Tigray region.
   • Fighting in Alamata killed 52 civilians, according to a medic who spoke to the BBC.
   • Ethiopian pro-government forces claimed the capture of a strategic Tigray town.
   • A group of Israelis was rescued and airlifted from Lalibela in northern Ethiopia after being stuck amid rebel advances.
   • Pope Francis appealed for dialogue in the Tigray region.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Ethiopian army chief accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting Tigray rebels.

   What to watch next

   • Further reports on civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Alamata and surrounding areas
   • Official confirmation regarding the territorial control of the strategic Tigray town claimed by pro-government forces
   • Diplomatic responses from regional and international bodies following the Pope's appeal for dialogue
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. CNN — War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray — and former enemies are now fighting together. What changed?
   2. ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict - Expert Insights
   3. The Economist — Renewed fighting in Ethiopia shows no sign of stopping
   4. reuters.com — Ethiopian pro-government forces claim capture of strategic Tigray town
   5. AP News — Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigray rebels
   6. Al Jazeera — Fighting in Ethiopia intensifies: What’s the latest?
   7. dw.com — Ethiopia: No regard for civilians as fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region continues
   8. The Economist — Analysing Africa newsletter: The war everyone saw coming
   9. The Conversation — Ethiopia’s peace deal is unravelling – what went wrong with the Tigray agreement
   10. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia blames regional rivals as risk of conflict spillover rises
   11. gardnermagazine.com — World News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   12. theconversation.com — Ethiopia is sliding back toward war – a look at what is driving the fighting and why it matters
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