The conflict in Ethiopia has taken a turn for the worse as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has captured the city of Abala, located in the Afar region, near the border with Tigray. Videos shared on social media show TPLF fighters, also known as "ANURF/Ugugumo" forces, in control of the city, which is the capital of the Kilbet Rasu zone. Fighting has also been reported in several districts along the Afar-Tigray border.
The TPLF has been engaged in clashes with the Ethiopian federal government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in the town of Abala, which is situated in the Afar region. The conflict has resulted in the capture of several airports, including the Alula Aba Nega airport in the Tigray capital, Mekele, as well as the airports in Axum and Shire. This has led to the suspension of Ethiopian Airlines flights to the region.
The escalation of the conflict comes just days after the formation of a new alliance between seven armed groups in Ethiopia, which have united to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The alliance, which includes the TPLF, has raised concerns about the potential collapse of the 2022 peace agreement and the resumption of full-scale war in Ethiopia.
According to Getachew Reda, adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, TPLF fighters launched an attack on federal government sites in the Afar and Amhara regions, marking a new escalation of the conflict. Reda accused the TPLF leadership of showing "new levels of irresponsibility" and stated that the group had taken control of airports previously under federal government control.
The conflict has resulted in a significant increase in tensions between the TPLF and the federal government, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with reports of ongoing fighting in several areas along the Afar-Tigray border. The international community has expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict and its potential impact on the region.
The TPLF has stated that it is engaged in a defensive war against the federal government, which it claims is seeking to undermine the region's autonomy. The group has vowed to continue fighting until its demands are met, including the release of detained TPLF leaders and the restoration of basic services to the region.
The Ethiopian government has been criticized for its handling of the conflict, with many accusing it of using excessive force against the TPLF. The situation remains fluid, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down. The international community is urging restraint and calling for a negotiated solution to the conflict.
Key points
- The conflict has resulted in the capture of several key airports and the suspension of Ethiopian Airlines flights to the region.
- The TPLF has formed an alliance with six other armed groups to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- The conflict has raised concerns about the potential collapse of the 2022 peace agreement and the resumption of full-scale war in Ethiopia.
