Mutual Accusations Between Ethiopia and Tigray Raise Alarms of Renewed Conflict

Getachew, adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, condemned the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for initiating hostilities, stating: “It is rather heartbreaking to learn that, despite efforts by many, including the international community, to avoid yet another round of war in Tigray, the TPLF leadership early this morning launched an all-out offensive against government positions in Afar and Amhara.”

The adviser previously led Tigray’s interim administration but split with the TPLF in 2025 to join the federal government.

Ethiopian Airlines suspended all flights to Tigray following reports of airports being seized. Residents of Mekelle told the BBC that local forces had assumed control of the city’s airport from national police early Wednesday.

The developments followed drone strikes in Tigray in recent days. On Tuesday, a strike in Alamata killed at least 14 people and injured 22 others, according to Tigrayan authorities.

Town mayor Mogos Shiferaw reported that more than five drones and one fighter jet conducted over 21 strikes starting around 03:30, causing significant psychological trauma. He alleged federal forces targeted two secondary schools, though stated these were unoccupied as the academic year had not yet begun.

The BBC has not independently verified these allegations, and the government has not commented on the reported strikes.

Tigray authorities accused Addis Ababa of launching an “open invasion,” urging residents to support regional forces and maintain unity. They further alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, citing disruption of public services and critical infrastructure.

Separately, the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs condemned a Monday drone strike targeting a convoy of Catholic vehicles carrying food aid, calling for investigation and dialogue between parties.

Both Addis Ababa and TPLF leaders have faced criticism over delays in implementing key provisions of the Pretoria Agreement, the AU-brokered deal that formally ended conflict in November 2022.

In July, Prime Minister Abiy accused the TPLF of preparing for renewed conflict during a parliamentary address. Just before the May general election—excluded from Tigray due to security concerns—the TPLF restored its pre-war administration, disbanding an interim body appointed by Abiy. Reports also indicate the TPLF has been forcibly recruiting young men.

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