Ethiopian gov’t forces advance in Tigray as rebels retreat: What to know

Ethiopian government forces have recaptured the main airport in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, following a week of intense fighting that shattered the Pretoria Agreement. The conflict, which erupted on September 23, has spread across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions, with government forces also reportedly taking control of the town of Alamata, a key supply hub. Rebel forces, identified as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies, are reportedly retreating from Mekelle, leading to concerns about looting and lawlessness. The fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and a surge in wounded, with reports of destruction of civilian objects and potential violations of international humanitarian law. The conflict's escalation raises fears of a wider regional conflict.

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.

Al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists are escalating attacks against Mali's military government. JNIM has reportedly established checkpoints around the capital, Bamako, and called for the overthrow of the junta in favor of Islamic law. In the north, Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have seized the town of Tessalit, including the Amachach base, following the withdrawal of Malian army elements and Russian forces. These actions follow recent attacks that killed Mali's defense minister. JNIM also claims to have captured a base in central Mali, though Russia's African Corps disputes this, stating they delivered supplies to Malian forces there.

Islamist militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have imposed a partial blockade on Mali's capital, Bamako, a city of over three million people. This action follows the recent assassination of Mali's defense minister and comes after a warning from the group that no one will be allowed into the city. The blockade, which has closed at least three of the six main routes into Bamako for extended periods, is causing residents to be stranded and fearful of shortages. This development occurs in the context of coordinated jihadist and separatist attacks nationwide, aimed at overthrowing the military regime. Mali's army is reportedly working with the Africa Corps against these insurgents.