The Ethiopian military has announced that it successfully repelled assaults by Tigrayan forces in the northern regions of the country. This marks the army’s first public statement since renewed hostilities erupted earlier in the week.
Escalation of Conflict
The Ethiopian army stated that the clashes began in the Amhara region, near the boundary with Tigray. According to the military, they managed to inflict significant casualties on the Tigrayan forces and captured a substantial amount of weaponry.
This surge in violence comes amid rapidly escalating tensions between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). There are growing concerns that these developments could lead to the resumption of the civil war that previously devastated the region.
Unverified Claims and Regional Impact
On Wednesday, the TPLF reportedly took control of three airports from federal police forces. However, the TPLF has not responded to the army’s claims, and independent verification by the BBC remains unachievable due to restricted access to the area.
There are also unconfirmed reports of TPLF forces attacking the Afar and Amhara regions. A source from Afar informed AFP that heavy artillery attacks were launched by Tigrayan forces in an attempt to seize the town of Yallo, located near Tigray’s border.
Background of the Conflict
The recent escalation follows a period of mounting tension since the war between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and Tigray’s authorities ended in 2022 with a peace agreement brokered by the African Union. Despite the agreement, both parties have accused each other of breaches in recent months.
The conflict, one of the deadliest in recent history, resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths and brought the region to the brink of famine.
Aftermath and Current Situation
Following the TPLF’s seizure of airports, Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Tigray. In Mekelle, the region’s main city, local forces reportedly took control of the airport from national police. Although there have been no clashes reported in Mekelle itself, the city remains tense.
Residents, such as one identified only as Fitsum, have described the economic hardships exacerbated by the conflict. With government budgets withheld and banks running low on cash, people have relied on mobile banking, which could be jeopardized if communications are cut off.
Fitsum noted that while Mekelle is currently calm, the stress among residents is palpable, and the city feels as if under a de facto curfew.
