Fighting in northern Ethiopia spreads across three regions

Fighting has intensified across Tigray, Amhara and Afar, nearly four years after a peace deal ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war. Al Jazeera reports several active fronts, with unresolved political, security and territorial disputes continuing to shape the conflict.

Government-aligned forces say they captured the strategic town of Alamata on 28 September. Tigrayan forces have advanced into Afar and Amhara, while fighting has also been reported near the Tekeze River and in northern Amhara. The parties dispute who initiated the latest escalation: the government says the TPLF launched an “all-out offensive”, while the TPLF describes its actions as defensive.

Telecommunications have been cut across much of Tigray and commercial flights suspended, according to Al Jazeera, disrupting communications and humanitarian operations. ACLED, cited in the report, said 15 to 17 drone strikes hit Alamata on 22 September, including several schools and a hospital.

Seven armed and political groups announced the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival on 20 September, saying it aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and establish a transitional administration. Its membership and military coordination are disputed. ACLED said three members were actively fighting federal forces as of 26 September.

Ethiopia’s army chief accused Eritrea, Sudan’s army and Egypt of backing armed groups. All three denied the allegations; Egypt said it respects the sovereignty of neighbouring states.