Tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government and the northern Tigray region have boiled over, with both sides accusing the other of starting fresh military offensives. Tigrayan fighters reportedly seized control of federally run airports in the region and pushed into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, according to a government adviser. Tigrayan authorities, meanwhile, say they were forced into a “defensive war” after drone strikes hit the region.
The 2020-2022 Tigray war was one of the deadliest conflicts of this century, with African Union mediators estimating around 600,000 deaths as fighting pushed the region toward famine. A 2022 peace agreement ended the fighting, but both sides have accused each other of violating its terms in recent months.
The crisis deepened after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the region, announced an alliance with six other armed groups seeking to remove the government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. Ethiopian Airlines has since canceled flights to Tigray after local forces reportedly took over Mekelle’s airport from national police.
A strike this week on the town of Alamata killed at least 14 people and wounded 22 more, according to Tigrayan officials, who say drones and a fighter jet hit two schools. The BBC has not verified these claims, and the government has not commented. The African Union has urged both sides to de-escalate and resume negotiations, while Ethiopia’s president insists his government has shown restraint. Read the full BBC report for more details.
Source: Ethiopia and Tigray accuse each of launching offensives, fuelling fears of new war (feeds.bbci.co.uk).
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