Renewed Tigray fighting strains civilian access to care and supplies
Residents have reported deaths and injuries from shelling as communication and transport disruptions hinder verification and limit access to essential services.
Fighting between Tigrayan and federal forces has spread across northern Ethiopia since renewed clashes began in August, with large-scale fighting reported from 23 September. Deutsche Welle (DW), citing eyewitnesses and residents, reported civilian deaths and injuries, though the accounts could not be independently verified.
A 22-year-old woman from Selenwuha told DW that shelling killed six relatives sheltering at home. She said wounded survivors could not reach medical facilities, with no vehicles available and treatment some distance away.
Residents also told DW that 11 people were killed and 15 wounded at Alamata’s Saturday market. One resident alleged civilians had been deliberately targeted; DW said the casualty figures and claims could not be independently confirmed. An Ethiopian National Defense Force spokesperson had not responded to DW by publication.
The military situation remains difficult to assess amid communication disruptions. A source in Tigray told DW federal forces were advancing towards Mekelle, while Tigrayan forces were defending towns including Mekoni and Maychew. Reports of control over Alamata also remain uncertain.
The renewed fighting follows a fragile peace after the 2020–22 war, which ended with the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement. Disputes and key provisions remained unresolved, including contested territory, displaced people’s return and the demobilisation of Tigrayan forces.
Transport and service disruptions are adding pressure on residents. The International Committee of the Red Cross said evacuations from Tigray had reached about 160 people, while disrupted supply routes were driving up prices. DW also reported concerns about damage to civilian infrastructure and interruptions to essential services.
