In a first statement since fresh fighting erupted on Wednesday, Ethiopia’s army announced that it had successfully repelled a new assault by Tigrayan fighters and their allies in the northern part of the country. The claim, made amid a rapid escalation of hostilities, underscores the fragility of the peace that followed the 2020‑2022 civil war.
Background to the latest flare‑up
The conflict between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has simmered since the African Union‑brokered peace deal ended the previous war. Over recent months both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, and tensions reached a new peak when the TPLF seized three airports in the region on Wednesday.
Army’s claims of a defensive victory
The army says it inflicted heavy casualties on the attacking forces and seized weapons after hostilities began in an area of the Amhara region close to the Tigray border. According to the statement, the soldiers’ actions halted the rebel advance and restored control over the contested zone.
In addition to the Amhara incident, the army reported unconfirmed attacks by TPLF forces in the neighbouring Afar region, where a humanitarian source told AFP that heavy artillery was used in an attempt to take the town of Yallo.
Verification and uncertainty
BBC verification is pending. The outlet has not been able to independently confirm the army’s assertions, and the TPLF has not responded to the claims. As a result, the exact scale of casualties, the amount of seized weaponry, and the precise locations of the fighting remain uncertain.
- Army statement: repelled attacks, heavy casualties, seized weapons.
- Unverified: exact casualty figures, extent of rebel losses.
- TPLF response: none reported.
Humanitarian repercussions
Even as the military narrative focuses on battlefield outcomes, civilians in the affected regions face growing hardship. Residents of Mekelle, Tigray’s main city, reported a calm atmosphere but highlighted severe economic strain, with cash shortages and limited mobile‑banking services. The risk of communications being cut off, as noted by a local source, could exacerbate the already dire situation.
Following the seizure of the airports, Ethiopian Airlines cancelled all flights to Tigray, further isolating the region and complicating aid delivery.
Outlook and potential developments
The TPLF announced an alliance with six other armed groups on Sunday, signalling a possible expansion of the conflict beyond the current flashpoints. If the rebel coalition gains momentum, the risk of a broader civil war – reminiscent of the 2020‑2022 devastation that claimed an estimated 600,000 lives – could rise sharply.
International observers are urging restraint from both sides and calling for independent monitoring to verify claims and prevent further civilian suffering. Until such verification is possible, the true outcome of the latest assault remains a matter of competing narratives.
Key take‑aways
- The Ethiopian army claims it has repelled a new rebel assault in Amhara, citing heavy casualties inflicted on Tigrayan forces.
- Independent verification of these claims is still pending, and the TPLF has not commented.
- Civilian impacts include economic distress, limited banking services, and flight cancellations to Tigray.
- The formation of a rebel alliance could broaden the conflict, raising concerns of renewed large‑scale civil war.