Tigray rebels seize key airports as full-scale war resumes in northern Ethiopia
Full-scale war has erupted again in Ethiopia’s Tigray region between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, with the rebel group seizing control of key airports and launching attacks into neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, according to multiple reports.
The TPLF, which formed a new alliance with six other armed groups to oppose Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, declared a “full-blown war” after capturing the airport in the regional capital Mekelle, as well as facilities in Axum and Shire. The federal army reported 272 rebel fighters killed and 260 wounded in recent clashes, while heavy fighting was reported near Abala in Afar and in Amhara’s Nordwollo area, home to UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches. Humanitarian workers cited “fierce battles” in Abala, where government forces prevented rebels from entering the city.
Amanuel Assefa, TPLF vice president, told AFP that “we are in a state of full-scale war now.” The escalation follows months of sporadic clashes, with the TPLF accusing government forces of using infantry, drones, and mechanized units. Internet and telecommunications blackouts were reported across northern Ethiopia, with Netblocks confirming a “complete telecoms outage” in Tigray.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. The renewed conflict threatens to displace more of the 750,000 people already uprooted by the 2020-2022 war, which killed at least 600,000 according to estimates cited by France 24 .
The TPLF, once dominant in Ethiopian politics, withdrew to Tigray after Abiy’s reforms in Addis Ababa triggered disputes over governance. A fragile peace deal signed in Pretoria in 2022 had ended the previous conflict .
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