Fighting has intensified in northern Ethiopia as forces linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) launched attacks in neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions after seizing control of several local airports in Tigray.
The renewed clashes have raised concerns about a return to the communications blackout and restrictions on essential supplies that affected Tigray during the 2020–2022 civil war, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported disruption to internet services in northern Ethiopia, coinciding with reports of a telecommunications blackout in Tigray. Communications with people in parts of the region have also reportedly been disrupted.
A humanitarian source in Afar reported heavy fighting overnight near Abala, a town located close to the Tigray border. According to the source, federal forces prevented Tigrayan fighters from entering the town, with the Ethiopian military reportedly using drones during the operation.
Heavy clashes were also reported in North Wollo Zone of Amhara, including areas near Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic rock-hewn churches.
Analysts say the TPLF’s movements resemble aspects of its strategy during the previous conflict, with fighting extending southwards into Amhara. The offensive in Afar could also affect supply routes from Djibouti, a major route for Ethiopia’s international trade.
The TPLF has joined six other armed groups in an alliance seeking to challenge the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The alliance includes groups from several regions of Ethiopia, although the extent of their military coordination remains uncertain.
The Ethiopian federal government retains significant military capabilities, including a large drone fleet and a substantial armed force. The renewed conflict has also raised concerns about possible involvement by neighbouring Eritrea. Ethiopian officials have accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups, while Eritrea has denied such allegations.
The escalation comes shortly after the United States lifted sanctions imposed on Eritrea over alleged human rights and humanitarian violations linked to the previous Tigray conflict.
In Tigray, residents have reportedly begun stockpiling essential goods amid growing fears that banking services, telecommunications, electricity and supplies could once again be disrupted.
The renewed violence follows years of instability after the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement ended the previous Tigray war. The agreement reduced large-scale fighting but several of its provisions remained unresolved, while a large number of people remained displaced.
Tensions increased further in recent months amid clashes between Tigrayan and federal forces and reports of military deployments and drone strikes in the region.
The latest escalation has raised concerns over a broader conflict in the Horn of Africa, particularly because of Ethiopia’s strained relations with Eritrea and the involvement of multiple armed groups across the country.
