Ethiopian pro-government forces have claimed control of the strategic town of Alamata in Tigray, according to a pro-government militia. The town, located south of Tigray's capital, is a significant supply hub for troops, food, and fuel near the region's southern border with Amhara. Video footage posted by the Tigrai Peace Force showed soldiers marching through the streets, waving Ethiopian flags. However, Reuters could not immediately verify the video.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the town has fallen, with two sources stating that pro-government forces have taken control of Alamata. A third source reported that the forces had entered the town, but it was unclear if they were fully in control. A source linked to pro-opposition forces told Reuters that they were retreating from Alamata and expected the town to be under federal military control within hours.
The capture of Alamata would be a significant boost to federal forces as they advance towards the regional capital, Mekelle, approximately 120 km to the north. The town has changed hands several times during the 2020-2022 civil war. The conflict has shattered a four-year-old peace deal, the Pretoria Agreement, which ended fighting that killed hundreds of thousands of people.
The Ethiopian military has accused neighboring countries of backing opposition forces. Top military commander Berhanu Jula reiterated accusations that Eritrea was supporting the opposition, alongside Sudan's armed forces and Egypt. Eritrea and Sudan's army have denied these allegations, while Egypt has not responded to requests for comment.
The conflict has raised concerns about a return to the humanitarian crisis experienced during the 2020-2022 war. The International Committee of the Red Cross in Ethiopia evacuated 161 people from Mekelle to the capital of neighboring Afar state, including African Union monitors and Red Cross staff. In Tigray, internet and phone networks have remained disrupted for a fourth day.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), leading the armed resistance to the federal government, has not responded to requests for comment. The TPLF announced a new alliance with six other armed groups across Ethiopia aimed at overthrowing the government three days before launching its offensive. The renewed conflict adds to instability in the Horn of Africa.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire, with around 750,000 Tigrayans still internally displaced as of February, according to the UN refugee agency. The region is facing drought linked to El Nino, and the conflict has disrupted access to food, cash, and medicines.
Key points
- The capture of Alamata would be a major boon to federal forces as they press towards the regional capital Mekelle.
- The conflict has raised fears of a return to the humanitarian crisis experienced during the 2020-2022 war.
- The Ethiopian military has accused neighboring countries of backing opposition forces.
