Ethiopian gov’t-aligned group claims close to full control of Tigray region

An armed group aligned with the Ethiopian government, the Tigray Peace Forces (TPF), claims to be close to full control of the Tigray region. This assertion was made on social media by the TPF commander, who stated that Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces had been eliminated. The claim, which Al Jazeera could not immediately verify, follows renewed fighting that began in September between Ethiopian federal forces, including the TPF, and a TPLF-led opposition alliance. Residents reported on Friday that Ethiopian government forces were advancing towards the regional capital, Mekelle. The TPLF chairperson acknowledged federal forces occupied some areas but vowed to counter-attack. These hostilities resumed after the apparent collapse of a 2022 peace deal, with fighting now also occurring in neighboring Amhara and Afar regions.

Fighting has intensified in northern Ethiopia, spreading beyond the Tigray region into Amhara and Afar, nearly four years after a peace deal ended the Tigray war. Government forces claim to have captured the strategic town of Alamata in southern Tigray, while Tigrayan forces have advanced into Afar, potentially threatening a crucial import corridor. A newly formed alliance of seven Ethiopian armed and political groups, including the TPLF and Amhara Fano, aims to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. However, the alliance's membership and coordinated military operations are contested, with only three groups actively fighting federal forces. Ethiopia's army chief has accused Eritrea, Sudan's army, and Egypt of backing armed groups, raising regional war concerns, though these countries deny the allegations.

Ethiopia has cut diplomatic ties with Eritrea amidst escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia. Ethiopian forces are battling rebel fighters, with federal forces reportedly making gains in southern Tigray and advancing towards the regional capital, Mekelle. Intense fighting has resulted in civilian casualties, and the TPLF is also engaged in neighboring Afar, displacing tens of thousands. Both the Ethiopian government and the TPLF accuse each other of initiating the latest hostilities, with Tigrayan authorities citing a federal offensive and drone strikes as their response, while Addis Ababa claims Tigrayan fighters attacked airports. The African Union and the UN have urged restraint, warning that the deteriorating security situation is disrupting humanitarian efforts and risking civilian lives and infrastructure.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties following escalating fighting in northern Ethiopia. The two neighboring countries accused each other of instigating internal conflicts. This breakdown in relations occurred as heavy fighting resumed last week between Ethiopian forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The renewed conflict has sparked concerns about a potential return to the 2020-2022 civil war, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Ethiopia specifically accused Eritrea of providing support to the TPLF.

Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa overnight as conflict in Ethiopia's northern territories widens. An alliance of seven armed opposition groups, including the TPLF, claimed responsibility for drone strikes in the capital, targeting military headquarters. These groups aim to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. Fighting has also intensified in the neighboring Afar region, with renewed accusations of Eritrean involvement. Government forces are advancing north towards Tigray's capital, Mekelle, while TPLF fighters have repositioned. Thousands are reportedly fleeing Mekelle amid disrupted services.

Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, with residents reporting blasts in areas near the military headquarters and the secret service base. These incidents occurred hours after drone flights were banned over the city and a week after fighting began north of the capital between the army and a new alliance of armed groups. A source linked to the opposition fighters claimed responsibility for drone strikes. Residents described the explosions as loud and strong enough to set off car alarms. No official reports have confirmed the cause, exact locations, or any casualties or damage.