Tigray forces seize key airport amid renewed clashes in Ethiopia

Fighting has again erupted in Ethiopia after Tigrayan forces seized Mekelle airport and clashed with federal troops in Afar.

According to Euronews, clashes began Tuesday night in Abala and Erebti, with humanitarian and security sources confirming fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and federal forces.

Security sources said Tigrayan forces had taken control of Mekelle airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire.

The renewed violence has raised fears of another major conflict after the 2020-2022 war, which ended under the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

The TPLF recently joined a seven-group military alliance seeking to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, while federal authorities have massed troops near Tigray and launched drone strikes in the region.