Ireland breaking news readers following major international developments will be watching Ethiopia closely as tensions between the federal government and Tigray’s ruling party threaten to push the northern region back towards full-scale conflict. Both sides have accused one another of launching military operations, while reports of drone strikes and airport seizures have intensified fears that the fragile 2022 peace agreement is unraveling.
Tigray conflict fears grow after rival offensive claims
Getachew Reda, an Ethiopian cabinet minister and adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said Tigrayan forces had taken control of federally administered airports in Tigray and launched attacks in the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions. Tigrayan authorities, however, said their forces had entered what they described as a defensive war after alleged drone strikes in the region.
The competing claims have not been independently verified. They represent the latest escalation in a long-running dispute between Addis Ababa and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, the political organisation that controls Tigray.
The conflict has been building for months. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the Pretoria Agreement, an African Union-backed settlement signed in November 2022 that ended a devastating two-year war. The African Union’s mediator estimated that approximately 600,000 people died during that conflict, which brought Tigray close to famine.
Airports seized and flights suspended in Tigray
Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled flights to Tigray following reports that local forces took control of airports in the region. Residents of Mekelle, Tigray’s main city, said regional forces had taken over the city airport from national police early on Wednesday.
The reported seizure of transport infrastructure is significant because airports are essential for humanitarian access, civilian travel and the movement of emergency supplies. Any prolonged closure could further isolate communities already affected by years of war and disrupted public services.
The TPLF announced on Sunday that it had formed an alliance with six other armed groups seeking to remove the federal government in Addis Ababa. The development has added to concerns that Ethiopia’s political crisis could spread beyond Tigray and draw in other regions.
Drone strike allegations raise civilian safety concerns
Tigrayan officials said a drone strike in the southern town of Alamata killed at least 14 people and injured 22 others. The town’s mayor alleged that more than five drones and a fighter jet carried out over 21 strikes beginning at approximately 03:30.
He said civilians were among those killed and accused federal forces of targeting two secondary schools because they were suspected of being used by Tigrayan fighters. According to the mayor, the schools had previously served as military bases during the civil war but were empty because the new academic year had not started.
The allegations have not been independently confirmed, and Ethiopia’s federal government has not publicly commented on the reported strikes. Tigrayan authorities have accused Addis Ababa of an “open invasion” and urged residents to support regional forces while maintaining unity.
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Humanitarian aid convoy reportedly targeted
The US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs condemned a separate drone strike that it said targeted a convoy of Catholic vehicles carrying food aid. It called for an investigation and urged Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan leaders to return to dialogue.
Any attack affecting humanitarian vehicles could worsen an already serious aid crisis. Tigray’s population has experienced food insecurity, displacement, damaged infrastructure and reduced access to essential services since the war began. Further fighting could prevent aid organisations from reaching vulnerable communities.
Why the Pretoria Agreement is under pressure
The peace deal ended open warfare but left major political and security issues unresolved. Critics say implementation has been delayed, including arrangements concerning regional administration, disarmament and the return of displaced people.
Political tensions increased after the TPLF restored its pre-war administration before Ethiopia’s general election in May. The election was not held in Tigray because of the security situation, and an interim administration appointed by Prime Minister Abiy was dissolved.
In July, Abiy told parliament that the TPLF was preparing for renewed conflict. There have also been reports that Tigrayan authorities forcibly recruited young men, although the claims remain disputed.
What happens next in Ethiopia?
The immediate priority is to prevent local clashes from becoming a wider national war. Regional powers, the African Union and international governments are likely to face pressure to support mediation, protect civilians and maintain humanitarian access.
Key developments to monitor include:
- Whether airports and other critical infrastructure remain under regional control.
- Any further reports of drone strikes or ground offensives.
- Efforts to reopen dialogue under the Pretoria peace framework.
- Access for food, medical and emergency aid organisations.
- Movement of civilians and possible new displacement.
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Conclusion: Tigray conflict needs urgent diplomacy
The renewed Tigray conflict allegations show how fragile Ethiopia’s peace remains. Conflicting claims over offensives, airport control and drone strikes have created a dangerous environment for civilians and aid workers. The clearest takeaway is that urgent diplomacy, independent investigations and full humanitarian access are needed before the crisis develops into another catastrophic war.
