Fighting has intensified in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, with hospital officials reporting at least 52 civilian deaths over a three-day period in and around the town of Alamata. The clashes appear to have resulted in government forces gaining control of the area, with military hardware reportedly visible on the town’s streets. The escalation represents a major development in the ongoing conflict between federal authorities and regional parties.
The renewed violence erupted last week following months of escalating tensions between the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the political party controlling the region. Both sides have accused each other of violating a 2022 ceasefire agreement that had ended a two-year civil war. Disagreement persists over who initiated the latest fighting, with the TPLF claiming it responded to federal military operations including drone strikes, while the government contends that Tigrayan forces attacked first after seizing regional airports.
The conflict has extended beyond Tigray’s borders, affecting neighboring regions and stranding international tourists. In Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Amhara region known for its ancient churches, approximately 33 tourists have been unable to depart since commercial flights halted last week. Fighting in that area has involved government military forces and an Amhara militia allied with Tigrayan fighters. Some evacuations have occurred, including 14 Israeli nationals airlifted out by military helicopter.
Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating across affected areas. Medical organizations operating in Tigray have reported receiving over 700 wounded patients in recent days. The Alamata attack included a strike on the marketplace that killed 12 people. Banking services have been suspended in Tigray by government order, and internet and phone communications have been cut off, leaving civilians with limited access to funds or ability to contact family members. Telecommunications blackouts have also affected Tigrayans outside the region, with bank accounts frozen or restricted.
The conflict has broader regional implications, with concerns that neighboring Eritrea could become involved. The government has accused Asmara of supporting armed groups opposing the federal government, allegations Eritrea denies. Earlier in the month, various Ethiopian armed movements formed a seven-member alliance with stated aims of removing the current government in the capital Addis Ababa. International reporting from the affected regions remains severely constrained due to access restrictions and communications disruptions.
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