Ethiopia’s military and allied forces have recaptured the main airport serving Mekelle, capital of the Tigray region, following more than a week of intense combat against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its associates. The fighting began last week and has undermined the Pretoria Agreement, a peace accord established in November 2022, prompting concerns that the conflict could expand into a broader regional confrontation potentially involving neighboring countries throughout the Horn of Africa.
Government forces have made substantial territorial gains across multiple fronts spanning Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions. Federal-aligned armed groups have captured the strategically important town of Alamata near Tigray’s southern boundary, which functions as a crucial supply hub for military operations, ammunition, and provisions. Reports indicate that TPLF personnel are withdrawing from Mekelle, with witnesses noting departures from military positions and describing incidents of looting at government installations. The military has reported approximately 270 adversary combatants killed and more than 200 wounded in fighting around North Wollo in the Amhara region.
The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with at least 52 civilians confirmed killed and medical organizations documenting surging numbers of wounded individuals seeking treatment. International rights organizations have documented accounts of civilian infrastructure damage, intensified forced recruitment, and incidents that potentially constitute violations of international humanitarian law. The conflict has also extended to the capital city, with an explosion reported at the Ministry of Defence early in the week.
Diplomatically, tensions have escalated as Eritrea severed all diplomatic connections with Ethiopia, accusing the government of sustained hostile actions. Regional analysts express heightened concern about the conflict extending beyond Ethiopia’s boundaries, particularly given ongoing instability in neighboring Sudan and Somalia, combined with geopolitical tensions involving the Red Sea and international powers with interests in the region.
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