Ethiopian forces near Tigray capital, fears grow of wider conflict

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Ethiopian forces advance on Mekelle as diplomatic ties with Eritrea sever

   Pro-government militiamen are advancing on Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, following a counteroffensive against northern rebels. The Tigray Peace Forces militia reported capturing the town of Milazat, located 20 km southeast of the city, on Friday. This military escalation coincides with a diplomatic crisis between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which have severed all ties. Regional fears are mounting that the fighting will expand into a wider war across the Horn of Africa, prompting calls for an emergency African Union session.

   Why it matters

   The conflict centers on the struggle for control of the Tigray region between the federal government and rebel forces. This current escalation follows a period of renewed fighting that has spread beyond Tigray. The collapse of diplomatic relations with Eritrea adds a geopolitical dimension to the internal security crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed all diplomatic ties.
   • The Tigray Peace Forces militia captured the town of Milazat, located about 20 km southeast of Mekelle.
   • Ethiopia ordered the closure of its embassy in Eritrea and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata.
   • Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ethiopian forces have retaken the regional capital of Mekelle.
   • A government-aligned group has achieved nearly full control of the Tigray region.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the fall of Mekelle
   • African Union response to calls for an emergency session
   • Evidence of Eritrean military intervention in northern Ethiopia
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.businessday.co.za — Ethiopian forces claim strategic town in Tigray offensive
   2. BBC — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital after drone flights banned
   3. aljazeera.com — How the fighting in Ethiopia spread beyond Tigray, in maps and charts
   4. www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic ties as northern conflict escalates - BBC
   5. Reuters — Ethiopian forces near Tigray capital, fears grow of wider conflict
   6. Al Jazeera — Ethiopian gov’t-aligned group claims close to full control of Tigray region
   7. Foreign Policy — Ethiopia’s Return to War Threatens to Engulf the Horn of Africa
   8. Vatican News — Ethiopia's Catholic Bishops issue pastoral appeal for peace and reconciliation
   9. The New York Times — What to Know About Fighting Between Ethiopia and Rebels in Tigray
   10. www.al-monitor.com — Ethiopian forces near Tigray capital, fears grow of wider ...
   11. Critical Threats — Ethiopian Counteroffensive Into Tigray; Internal Tensions Within M23: Africa File, October 1, 2026
   12. Amnesty International — Ethiopia: African Union must convene emergency session on Ethiopia as new conflict expands
   confidence 85%