Heavy fighting has erupted in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, resulting in the deaths of at least 52 civilians. The clashes, which began last week, have been concentrated around Alamata, a town in the region. Hospital sources have confirmed the death toll to the BBC. The fighting involves government troops and regional fighters, with both sides accusing each other of violating a 2022 peace deal.
The conflict has spread to neighbouring regions, stranding tourists in Lalibela, a UNESCO world heritage site. Thirty-three tourists have been stuck in the town for over a week, with some attempting to leave via military helicopter or NGO convoys. The British tourist, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC that the situation around Lalibela had calmed down, but the local people remained scared.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the region, and the government have disagreed over who initiated the fighting. The TPLF claims it was responding to a federal offensive, including drone strikes, while the government says Tigrayan forces attacked first. The conflict has resulted in over 700 wounded people being admitted to hospitals supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
The doctor at Alamata General Hospital, who requested anonymity, described the fighting as intense, with heavy explosives and artillery landing in residential homes. The victims included children as young as three days old, mothers, and cattle herders. A single strike on the town's marketplace killed 12 people.
The government has suspended banking services in Tigray, and access to the internet has been cut. A source in Alamata reported a worsening humanitarian crisis, with people fleeing fighting and struggling to access basic necessities. The town is overwhelmed with displaced people, and the lack of banking services, power, and internet has created a desperate situation.
The conflict has also affected Tigrayans living outside the region, with bank accounts frozen or restricted. A former Mekelle resident, now living in Addis Ababa, told the BBC that he was unable to use his mobile transfer due to the banking restrictions. The Tigray Broadcasting Service (TBS) has launched an initiative to help reconnect families separated by the telecoms shutdown.
The situation remains volatile, with a large military presence in Lalibela and indications that the airport may reopen. The tourists stranded in Lalibela include Americans, Israelis, Britons, South Koreans, South Africans, an Ethiopian-New Zealander, and a Mexican. The conflict has raised fears of neighbouring Eritrea being drawn in, with the government accusing Asmara of supporting armed groups.
Key points
- At least 52 civilians killed in three days of heavy fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region
- Fighting has spread to neighbouring regions, stranding tourists in Lalibela
- Banking services and internet access have been suspended in Tigray, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis
