Telecoms networks disrupted in Tigray as Ethiopia's military cites major losses by rebels
Safaricom Ethiopia has restored roughly 250 network sites shut down during late September fighting in Tigray, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte confirmed on November 5. The African Union Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warned on September 23 that TPLF forces seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and detained federal personnel, shattering the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. The TPLF joined the Alliance for Survival in September 2026 and reportedly receives Eritrean backing alongside Amhara Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army. Drone attacks on federal military bases in late September signal a tactical shift.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Safaricom Ethiopia restored approximately 250 network sites in Tigray after a week-long shutdown in late September, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said on November 5.
- ✓ The African Union Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stated on September 23 that TPLF forces seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and detained federal personnel.
- ✓ The 2020–22 Tigray war caused an estimated $10.86 billion in social-sector damage, with education losses at $4.36 billion and health losses at $3.78 billion.
- ✓ The TPLF joined the seven-group Alliance for Survival in September 2026 aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
What changed
Safaricom confirmed restoration of 250 Tigray network sites after a week-long blackout, while the AU documented TPLF airport seizures and detentions that violated the 2022 peace deal.
Live updates
-
Telecoms restored in Tigray as AU warns of escalation after rebel airport seizures
Safaricom Ethiopia has restored roughly 250 network sites shut down during late September fighting in Tigray, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte confirmed on November 5. The African Union Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warned on September 23 that TPLF forces seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and detained federal personnel, shattering the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. The TPLF joined the Alliance for Survival in September 2026 and reportedly receives Eritrean backing alongside Amhara Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army. Drone attacks on federal military bases in late September signal a tactical shift.
Why it matters
The 2020–22 war caused an estimated $10.86 billion in social-sector damage, with Eritrean forces blamed for most destruction. A fragile ceasefire held until the TPLF’s September airport seizures and alliance with anti-government groups reignited large-scale fighting. The AU stresses preservation of the Pretoria agreement, but Eritrea’s alleged involvement and new rebel drone capability risk drawing the wider Horn of Africa into conflict.
What is confirmed
- Safaricom Ethiopia restored approximately 250 network sites in Tigray after a week-long shutdown in late September, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said on November 5.
- The African Union Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stated on September 23 that TPLF forces seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and detained federal personnel.
- The 2020–22 Tigray war caused an estimated $10.86 billion in social-sector damage, with education losses at $4.36 billion and health losses at $3.78 billion.
- The TPLF joined the seven-group Alliance for Survival in September 2026 aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Still unconfirmed
- Eritrea is financially backing the Alliance for Survival and fighting alongside Amhara Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army.
- Northern rebels used drones to attack Ethiopia’s defense headquarters and military bases in late September.
What to watch next
- Whether the Pretoria ceasefire can be revived or formally abandoned by either side
- Evidence of sustained Eritrean military involvement beyond alleged financial backing
- Next AU Peace and Security Council meeting or envoy deployment to Tigray
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.cfr.org — Conflict in Ethiopia | Global Conflict Tracker
- au.int — AUC Chairperson Calls For Utmost Restraint And Immediate De ...
- au.int — Chairperson of the African Union Commission calls for maximum ...
- ethiopiatoday.net — The war in Tigray caused USD 10.86 billion in damage and ...
- www.africaintelligence.com — Ethiopia • Addis works to contain diplomatic pressure on Tigray
- adf-magazine.com — Ethiopian Rebels Deploy Drones - Africa Defense Forum
- sableafrica.com — Safaricom Restores 250 Ethiopia Network Sites - sableafrica.com
-
Tigray rebels claim heavy army losses as communications fail
Fighting in northern Ethiopia has disrupted internet and call services across the Tigray region. The Tigray People's Liberation Front claims a counteroffensive near Aksum on Saturday resulted in 500 Ethiopian soldiers killed and 800 wounded. These clashes threaten communities still recovering from the 2020-2022 conflict. While the TPLF asserts these specific casualty figures, they remain unverified by independent sources. The regional instability follows a period of fragile ceasefire and warns of a return to full-scale warfare.
Why it matters
The Tigray region previously suffered a devastating conflict between 2020 and 2022. Current violence risks undoing recovery efforts for local communities.
What is confirmed
- Internet and call services are disrupted in the Tigray region.
- Fighting occurred near the town of Aksum on Saturday.
Still unconfirmed
- The TPLF claims 500 Ethiopian troops were killed and 800 wounded during a counteroffensive near Aksum.
What to watch next
- Official casualty confirmation from the Ethiopian military
- Restoration of telecommunications in Tigray
- Verification of TPLF claims by independent monitors
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.newsafrican.com — Internet restricted after fighting breaks out in Ethiopia’s ...
- ethiopiaid.ie — Northern Ethiopia Security Update – October 2026
- thesudantimes.com — Ethiopian forces suffer heavy losses in Tigray fighting ...
- www.africanews.com — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels claim to have inflicted heavy losses ...
- radarafrica.com — Tigray rebels claim heavy losses among Ethiopian troops
-
Telecoms disrupted in Tigray as Ethiopia cites rebel losses
Telecommunications and internet services remain disrupted in northern Ethiopia, specifically in Tigray, amid ongoing conflict. The Ethiopian government has reported significant losses by rebel forces, while the Tigray People's Liberation Front warns of a return to full-blown war. A fragile ceasefire is under scrutiny as tensions persist.
Why it matters
The conflict in Tigray has led to severe humanitarian needs and armed conflict persists despite government forces retaking key locations like Mekelle. The region's instability affects neighboring areas, including Amhara and Oromia, which have their own insurgencies. The situation is closely monitored by regional and international observers.
What is confirmed
- Telecommunications and internet services remain disrupted across northern Ethiopia.
- Ethiopian government forces have retaken Mekelle and other key locations in Tigray.
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front says 'full-blown war is back' after renewed fighting.
Still unconfirmed
- An official in Tigray's federal-backed caretaker administration has urged rebel fighters to disarm.
What to watch next
- Further developments in the conflict and humanitarian situation in Tigray
- Verification of rebel losses and government claims
- Potential for renewed ceasefire talks or escalation
confidence 75%Sources used for this update (4)
- peopleofinternet.com — Tigray's Latest Blackout Shows Why Shutdowns Fail Even ...
- newsclip.com — Tigray's Truce: A Fragile Pause in Ethiopia's Civil Conflict
- armedconflicts.org — Ethiopia Conflict: Live Tracker, Map & Briefing (2026)
- www.wionews.com — Tigray News - Latest Tigray News, Breaking Tigray News ... - WION
-
Ethiopia's Tigray rebels face disarmament call amid renewed fighting
Ethiopian government forces have retaken Mekelle and other key locations in Tigray, but armed conflict and severe humanitarian needs persist. The Tigray People's Liberation Front says 'full-blown war is back' after renewed fighting. Telecommunications and internet services remain disrupted across northern Ethiopia. An official in Tigray's federal-backed caretaker administration has urged rebel fighters to disarm.
Why it matters
The renewed fighting in Tigray raises serious concerns about civilian safety, mass displacement, food insecurity, and disruption of essential services. The region faces instability due to unresolved issues from a 2022 peace agreement. The United States has called for de-escalation.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopian federal forces have retaken Mekelle and other important locations in Tigray.
- Telecommunications and internet services remain disrupted across northern Ethiopia.
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front says 'full-blown war is back' after renewed fighting.
- An official in Tigray's federal-backed caretaker administration urged rebel fighters to disarm.
Still unconfirmed
- Eritrean forces suffered 'heavy losses' and are retreating toward the border.
What to watch next
- Further developments in the conflict
- Humanitarian response to the crisis
- International reaction to the renewed fighting
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (10)
- globalnewsmap.org — Ethiopia – Government vs. Rebel Coalition: live map and ...
- www.wionews.com — Ethiopia: Tigray's fragile calm shatters after 4 years ... - WION
- www.independent.co.uk — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels urged to disarm as commander vows to ...
- www.audacy.com — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels urged to disarm as ... - Audacy
- ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu — IODA | Internet Outages for Ethiopia
- www.youtube.com — Internet restricted in Ethiopia's Tigray region as fighting ...
- capitalethiopia.com — Ethiopia ranked “Not Free” in freedom house’s 2026 report ...
- blog.cloudflare.com — What took the Internet offline in Q3 2026 - Cloudflare Blog
- www.thegatewaypundit.com — Ethiopia at War: Rebel Alliances, Regional Rivalries and the Battle for Tigray * The Gateway Pundit * by Antonio Graceffo
- allafrica.com — Ethiopia: Fading Hopes, Rising Needs - Renewed Fighting ...
-
Ethiopian Forces Enter Aksum as Eritrean Troops Retreat from Tigray
Ethiopian government troops and allied fighters have entered the city of Aksum while expanding their control across Tigray. A pro-government militia spokesperson reports that Eritrean forces suffered "heavy losses" and are retreating toward the border. Telecommunications and internet services remain disrupted across northern Ethiopia since fighting reignited in late September, though some reports indicate partial restoration in Mekelle. The United States has called for de-escalation as the region faces renewed instability due to unresolved issues from a 2022 peace agreement.
Why it matters
The current escalation follows the collapse of a 2022 peace deal that had previously ended fighting in the Tigray region. Tensions have spiked recently after Ethiopia expelled Eritrean diplomats and the two nations severed diplomatic ties.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopian government troops and allied fighters have entered the city of Aksum.
- Telecommunications and internet services in northern Ethiopia have been disrupted since late September.
- The United States has called for de-escalation in the region.
Still unconfirmed
- Internet connection has been partially restored to Mekelle.
What to watch next
- Verification of Eritrean troop movements by independent monitors
- Updates on the status of telecommunications restoration in Tigray
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
- warmonit.com — Ethiopia – Tigray: what is happening now? | WarMonit
- www.geobit.ai — Ethiopia Security Risk 2026 — Weekly Threat Assessment ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims ...
- www.csmonitor.com — A broken peace deal is reigniting war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region
- www.sbs.com.au — Ethiopia conflict prompts fears for loved ones | SBS News
- www.africanews.com — Eritrean forces suffer 'heavy losses' in Tigray, Ethiopian ...
- peopleofinternet.com — Whoever Ordered Tigray's Latest Blackout, Shutdowns Fail the ...
- www.aa.com.tr — Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims ...
-
Ethiopian Drones Strike Eritrean Forces in Tigray
Ethiopian drone strikes hit Eritrean forces near the northern Tigrayan city of Adigrat, destroying vehicles and causing troops to retreat. The airstrikes follow days after Ethiopia expelled Eritrean diplomats and Eritrea severed diplomatic ties, escalating regional tensions. Meanwhile, telecommunications networks and internet services remain severely disrupted across Tigray and northern Ethiopia, blocking humanitarian aid and mobile money transactions. Commercial flights to Mekelle have resumed as federal forces recapture strategic positions, while the conflict spreads fears of a wider regional war involving neighbouring states.
Why it matters
The renewed fighting shatters a fragile peace and revives fears of the severe humanitarian blockades and communication blackouts seen in earlier phases of the conflict. Tigray rebels previously launched attacks into neighbouring Afar and Amhara states while seizing local airports, prompting a forceful federal response. The direct involvement of Eritrean forces and subsequent drone strikes threaten to draw outside actors into Ethiopia's internal strife, complicating regional stability.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopian drone strikes targeted Eritrean forces near the northern Tigrayan city of Adigrat overnight, destroying lorries and causing troops to retreat.
- Telecommunications networks and internet services from providers including Ethio Telecom and Safaricom face severe disruptions across northern Ethiopia.
- Ethiopian Airlines resumed commercial flights to the Tigray capital of Mekelle.
Still unconfirmed
- Eritrean forces entered Tigray to back rebel fighters against the Ethiopian federal government.
What to watch next
- Further developments regarding Eritrean military involvement and potential regional state intervention
- Updates on the restoration of telecommunications and internet infrastructure by Ethio Telecom and Safaricom
- Humanitarian access assessments and the delivery of aid to cut-off areas in Tigray
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- geocables.com — Internet Outages in Ethiopia: Ethio Telecom, SAFARICOM
- www.euronews.com — Ethiopian drones hit Eritrean forces accused of backing rebels in Tigray | Euronews
- www.aljazeera.com — Will Ethiopia’s neighbours intervene as Tigray war escalates?
- www.france24.com — Ethiopia drones hit Eritrean troops in Tigray - france24.com
- article.wn.com — Heavy fighting, internet disruption as Ethiopia conflict ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopian forces enter strategic Tigray town of Adwa ...
-
Ethiopian Forces Retake Mekelle After Tigray Rebels Withdraw
Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, following a withdrawal announcement by the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Federal forces also retook the city airport, reversing an earlier takeover that had halted commercial flights. Meanwhile, state-owned Ethio Telecom services were completely cut off, compounding severe telecommunications disruptions that began alongside renewed hostilities around September 21 to 23, 2026. The communications blackout continues to restrict mobile money and block humanitarian efforts across the region.
Why it matters
The renewed fighting marks a sharp escalation nearly four years after a peace deal ended the devastating 2020-2022 civil war between federal authorities and Tigray regional forces. As the conflict expands outside Tigray into neighboring Afar and other areas, regional tensions have triggered international calls for restraint and emergency intervention by the African Union. The resulting information blackouts prevent verification of conditions on the ground and hamper civilian protection efforts.
What is confirmed
- Government-allied fighters have entered Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, after the Tigray People's Liberation Front announced its withdrawal.
- Ethiopian federal forces have retaken Mekelle's airport from Tigrayan fighters.
Still unconfirmed
- Services provided by state-owned telecoms operator Ethio Telecom have been completely cut.
What to watch next
- African Union emergency session actions regarding the renewed conflict
- Restoration of telecommunications and internet services in the Tigray region
- Humanitarian access assessments following the federal advance into Mekelle
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.latimes.com — Ethiopia's government retakes Tigray capital after opposition fighters withdraw
- www.rfi.fr — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital as govt advances: journalist
- www.latimes.com — Ethiopian forces retake airport from Tigrayan fighters - Los ...
- www.newsafrican.com — Internet restricted in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as fighting ...
- www.europesays.com — US urges ‘restraint’ as Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis rocks region
- zehabesha.com — Open Letter to Amnesty International
-
Northern Ethiopia Fighting Intensifies as Conflict Spreads Beyond Tigray
Telecommunications outages and renewed fighting are gripping northern Ethiopia as clashes between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front escalate. Nearly four years after a peace deal ended the 2020-2022 civil war, the conflict is expanding outside Tigray into neighboring Afar and other areas. Government-aligned forces recently captured Alamata on September 28. The communications blackout has cut off banking services, severely restricted mobile money access, and blocked humanitarian efforts, triggering widespread fears of renewed blockades and civilian hardship.
Why it matters
This violence represents the most serious escalation of the region's security crisis since the formal conclusion of the previous civil war. Old rivalries, territorial disputes, and shifting alliances are driving the current instability across northern Ethiopia. The United States has urged regional restraint and dialogue as the fighting continues to spread.
What is confirmed
- Fighting has intensified across northern Ethiopia nearly four years after a peace deal ended the Tigray conflict.
- Telecommunications are disrupted in the Tigray region.
- Government-aligned forces captured Alamata on September 28.
- Tigrayan forces expanded into Afar.
Still unconfirmed
- The military claims major victories against rebel forces in the current escalation.
What to watch next
- Further expansion of fighting into neighboring regions beyond Afar and Tigray
- Potential restoration of telecommunications networks and banking services in Tigray
- Additional diplomatic interventions from the United States or regional bodies
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.aljazeera.com — How the fighting in Ethiopia spread beyond Tigray, in maps ...
- sierraleonews.com — Northern Ethiopia Fighting Escalates Amid Tigray Network Outages
- wtxnews.com — Ethiopia's conflict intensifies as fighting spreads beyond ...
-
Telecoms and Internet Blackout Grips Ethiopia Tigray Region
Internet and phone networks are suffering near-total disruptions across Ethiopia's northern Tigray region as fierce fighting erupts between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. The telecommunications blackout has cut off mobile money and banking services, stranding civilians and prompting locals to purchase alternative sim cards. The military claims major victories against rebel forces in the most serious escalation of violence since the conclusion of the 2020-2022 civil war, while the United States urges regional restraint and dialogue amid spreading instability.
Why it matters
The renewed hostilities follow the TPLF's seizure of local airports and attacks into neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions, pulling multiple states into the conflict. Residents and observers fear a return to the devastating blockades and communications blackouts that characterised the previous multi-year war. Human Rights Watch has formally called for the immediate restoration of telecommunication services across the affected areas.
What is confirmed
- Internet and phone networks suffered near-total disruption in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.
- The Ethiopian military stated it inflicted major losses on Tigrayan forces in the most serious escalation since the 2020-2022 war.
- State-owned Ethio Telecom services were completely cut following the outbreak of clashes.
Still unconfirmed
- Who specifically ordered Ethio telecom and Safaricom to shut down remains disputed.
- The Ethiopian government ordered a complete telecommunications and internet blackout in the Tigray region.
What to watch next
- Decisions by telecom operators regarding the restoration of Ethio Telecom and Safaricom services in Tigray.
- Formal responses from regional and federal authorities concerning international calls for communication restoration.
- Further developments from diplomatic meetings involving the United States and regional neighbors.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.standardmedia.co.ke — Heavy fighting, telecoms disruption as Ethiopia conflict rages
- www.bbc.com — Ethiopia fighting: Are Tigray's TPLF forces and the army heading back to war?
- www.thestar.com.my — Internet and phone network disrupted in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region
- www.france24.com — Heavy fighting, telecoms disruption as Ethiopia conflict rages
- today.rtl.lu — 'Full-blown war'Heavy fighting, telecoms disruption as ... - RTL
- www.bbc.com — Ethiopia fighting escalates in Tigray killing 52 civilians in Alamata, medic tells the BBC
- tigraymonitor.org — Tigray Live | Tigray Monitor
- techmoonshot.com — Tigray Internet Blackout: Telecoms Caught in Ethiopia War
- techrobust.com — Ethiopia Shuts Down Tigray Internet Amid Armed Conflict
- martinplaut.com — Cut Off and Cashless: Tigray’s Civilians Are Paying for ...
- news-pravda.com — Internet and call services cut in Ethiopia's Tigray as ...
- www.channelafrica.co.za — Human Rights Watch calls for Tigray communications ...
-
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
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (16)
- AP News — Ethiopian opposition groups unite to mount challenge to prime minister Abiy
- The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
- BBC — Ethiopia's army says it has repelled TPLF attacks in first comment on fresh Tigray fighting
- dw.com — Ethiopia's military says it killed hundreds of TPLF rebels
- CNN — War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray — and former enemies are now fighting together. What changed?
- Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
- Al Jazeera — Young men flee Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment
- BBC — Ethiopia war: Internet disrupted in Tigray
- AP News — Ethiopia risks a wider war. Here are 5 things to know
- ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict - Expert Insights
- Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s new rebel alliance faces an old problem
- Foreign Policy — Ethiopia, TPLF Rebels Return to War in Tigray Region
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community