Military offensive spreads across northern regions

Heavy fighting resumed on Wednesday between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), spreading from Tigray into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions. TPLF forces seized regional airports and advanced eastward into Afar, taking control of the strategic border town of Erebti on Sunday following artillery bombardment. An official from the Tigray Peace Force, a breakaway faction aligned with federal forces, confirmed the capture of Erebti. Rebel units are currently advancing toward Afdeera, located roughly 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the east, aiming to disrupt trade routes from Djibouti that supply the bulk of Ethiopia's international imports and fuel. A humanitarian source cited by France 24 reported that at least 150,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Afar.

External backing accusations and regional denials

Ethiopian military leadership accused neighboring states of financing and supplying the insurgent offensive. Speaking on the army's YouTube channel on Sunday, Chief of General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula asserted that the TPLF and allied fighters are acting on behalf of foreign governments.

“We are fighting forces that are organised and allied to serve the interests of external forces.”

Birhanu added that the rebel fighters rely on direct support from Sudan, Egypt, and Eritrea. Sudan's military issued a statement on Sunday dismissing the claims as baseless, while counter-alleging that Ethiopia provides drone support and training to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's internal conflict. Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Meskel stated on X that Ethiopia is deflecting blame for domestic strife after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sought sea access through the Eritrean port of Assab and Somaliland.

Infrastructure strikes and communications blackout

The renewed conflict has cut essential services across the Tigray region. Telecommunications providers reported wide disruptions to mobile telephone and internet connectivity beginning on Friday, leaving residents unable to use digital payment applications in an economy where automated teller machines ceased operating months ago. On Sunday, a drone strike hit the Mekelle headquarters of Tigrai TV, causing structural damage and blowing out windows shortly after federal authorities suspended the station's broadcast operations. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the UN chief is troubled by reports of armed drone strikes and potential harm to civilians in the combat zone.

Hospital strains and rebel coalition formation

Medical facilities across northern Ethiopia are reporting rapid increases in casualties. Doctors Without Borders stated on Monday that patient counts at hospitals in Korem and Alamata rose from around 180 to more than 420 within 48 hours, while 300 wounded individuals arrived at Suhul Hospital last week. Simultaneously, seven armed opposition groups from different parts of the country announced the formation of a unified military alliance opposing Abiy's government. The TPLF and federal forces previously fought a two-year conflict between November 2020 and November 2022 that resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths before the African Union mediated the Pretoria peace agreement.