Ethiopian rebels and government forces clash as a new alliance of armed groups forms, escalating tensions in the northwest region. The TPLF and six other groups announced a coalition aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with clashes intensifying as rebels seize airports and disrupt travel.
The TPLF reported killing 272 fighters and wounding 260 during a counter-offensive, with rebels operating alongside local groups in Afar and Amhara. The alliance, formed after months of negotiations, marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, bringing together groups with differing histories and grievances against the central government.
The conflict has disrupted air travel, with three airports in the region seized by rebels, leading to flight suspensions. Analysts warn of broader regional instability, with Ethiopia’s deteriorating relationship with Eritrea and Sudan’s civil war raising concerns of wider conflict. The 2022 peace deal remains under threat as fighting resurges.
Ethiopia’s president accused adversarial elements of interfering in internal affairs, while rebels denied Eritrean support. The situation highlights the complex web of regional rivalries and the challenges of maintaining peace in a region marked by longstanding tensions and political realignments.