Hospital sources have reported that at least 52 civilians were killed during three days of intense fighting around Alamata in northern Tigray. The clashes, which occurred from Saturday to Monday, involved heavy explosives and artillery that struck residential homes. The casualties included children as young as three days old, mothers, and cattle herders. A single strike on the town's marketplace killed twelve people.
A doctor at Alamata General Hospital, who asked to remain anonymous, provided the casualty numbers to the BBC. The fighting appears to have shifted control of Alamata to federal troops, who are reportedly preparing to advance north toward Mekelle, the regional capital. The military presence in the town is evident, with social-media clips showing army tanks moving through Alamata's streets.
The conflict has spilled into neighbouring Amhara, where a British tourist reported hearing gunfire and seeing a large military presence near the UNESCO site of Lalibela. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with Médecins Sans Frontières reporting that more than 700 wounded people have been admitted to hospitals it supports in Tigray over the past few days.
The Ethiopian government has suspended banking services in Tigray and cut internet access, leaving residents without cash transfers or online connectivity. A local source said the town has been inundated with people fleeing nearby fighting, but all basic services remain blocked. The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands of people affected by the conflict.
Both the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front blame each other for starting the latest round of hostilities. The TPLF alleges a federal offensive, while the government accuses Tigrayan forces of seizing airports first. The conflict has caused significant disruption to civilians, with many forced to flee their homes.
The situation in Tigray remains volatile, with concerns growing about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Kenya Today reported that the fighting has had a devastating impact on civilians, with many killed or injured. The international community is watching the situation closely, with calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.
The conflict in Tigray has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the stability of the Ethiopian government and the impact on neighbouring countries. The situation is being closely monitored, with efforts underway to broker a ceasefire and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Key points
- At least 52 civilians killed in three days of fighting around Alamata
- Federal troops reportedly preparing to advance on Mekelle, the regional capital
- Humanitarian crisis deepening, with over 700 wounded people admitted to hospitals
