Government-Aligned Forces Claim Major Gains in Tigray as Fighting Escalates

An armed group aligned with the Ethiopian government has claimed that it is close to taking full control of the conflict-affected Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, as renewed fighting raises concerns about a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The commander of the Tigray Peace Forces (TPF) said in a social media statement on Thursday that forces belonging to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) had been defeated. However, the claim has not been independently verified.

The development comes after fighting resumed in September between Ethiopian federal forces, including the TPF, and an opposition alliance led by the TPLF.

Residents told Reuters on Friday that government forces were advancing towards Mekelle, the regional capital.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael acknowledged that federal forces had taken control of some areas but said his fighters would launch a counterattack at a later stage.

Government-aligned forces have reportedly made rapid advances across parts of Tigray since renewed hostilities began last week.

The latest violence follows the apparent breakdown of a 2022 peace agreement that brought an end to the previous devastating conflict between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan forces.

The situation became more complicated after seven armed and political groups announced an alliance on September 20.

The coalition said its objective was to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration and establish an inclusive transitional government.

The African Union also reported last month that Tigrayan forces had taken control of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire and detained federal personnel, disrupting civilian air services.

The fighting has since spread beyond Tigray, with clashes reported in parts of the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions.

The escalating conflict has also created diplomatic tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.

Ethiopian military officials have accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting the Tigrayan-led alliance, allegations that have contributed to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions.

Eritrea and Egypt have rejected claims that they are supporting efforts to destabilise Ethiopia.

The African Union has urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further increase tensions and threaten regional stability.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Tigray are deteriorating. The region is home to an estimated six to seven million people, many of whom are facing electricity disruptions, internet blackouts and severe communication difficulties.

Some residents have reportedly begun leaving their communities for neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions amid fears that the fighting could spread to major urban centres.

Humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations, have moved some operations into areas that have recently come under government control in an effort to maintain limited access to civilians affected by the conflict.

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