TPLF forces have launched a major offensive in Ethiopia, seizing control of regional airports and escalating tensions with federal forces. The move has raised fears of a return to full-scale conflict, with analysts warning of potential regional instability.
The TPLF, which ruled Ethiopia from 1991 to 2018, has formed an alliance with six other armed groups to oust the government. The offensive has led to clashes in Afar and Amhara regions, with reports of heavy fighting and drone strikes. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to the region due to the current situation.
The renewed fighting threatens to undermine the 2022 Pretoria agreement that ended the civil war, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. The TPLF has not commented on the possibility of Eritrean involvement, though analysts note the country's concerns about Ethiopia's potential territorial ambitions.
Residents in Tigray report panic buying and shortages of essential goods, with local authorities cutting internet services to disrupt government drones. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining stability in the region and the potential for further disruption to humanitarian efforts.