Telecoms networks disrupted in Tigray as Ethiopia's military cites major losses by rebels

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1. 2h ago

   Telecoms disrupted in Tigray as Ethiopia cites rebel losses

   Internet and phone networks are disrupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region amid escalating violence. The Ethiopian military claims to have inflicted major losses on Tigrayan forces, marking the most serious escalation since the 2020-2022 war. The conflict has resulted in significant instability, with reports of forced recruitment and young men fleeing Tigray.

   Why it matters

   The conflict in Tigray has led to a significant deterioration in stability, with concerns about the potential for a wider war. The region has experienced violence, displacement, and now communication disruptions. The Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) have a complex and contentious relationship, with periods of conflict and attempts at reconciliation.

   What is confirmed

   • Internet and phone networks were disrupted in Tigray on September 25.
   • Ethiopia's military claims to have inflicted major losses on Tigrayan forces.
   • The conflict in Tigray is the most serious escalation since the 2020-2022 war.
   • Young men are fleeing Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war.

   What to watch next

   • Further escalation of violence in Tigray
   • International response to the conflict
   • Humanitarian impact on civilians in Tigray
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. AP News — Ethiopian opposition groups unite to mount challenge to prime minister Abiy
   2. The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   3. BBC — Ethiopia's army says it has repelled TPLF attacks in first comment on fresh Tigray fighting
   4. dw.com — Ethiopia's military says it killed hundreds of TPLF rebels
   5. CNN — War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray — and former enemies are now fighting together. What changed?
   6. Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
   7. Al Jazeera — Young men flee Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment
   8. BBC — Ethiopia war: Internet disrupted in Tigray
   9. AP News — Ethiopia risks a wider war. Here are 5 things to know
   10. ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict - Expert Insights
   11. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s new rebel alliance faces an old problem
   12. Foreign Policy — Ethiopia, TPLF Rebels Return to War in Tigray Region
   confidence 90%