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// DOSSIER — ethiopia-tigray-forces-seize-key-airports
Ethiopia: Tigray Forces Seize Key Airports as Conflict Expands to Afar and Amhara Regions
REL_TIME: 26 Sep 2026 00:12Z · LANG: EN
On September 23, 2026, Tigrayan forces seized control of strategically vital airports in Mekelle, Shire, and Axum, marking a significant escalation in northern Ethiopia. The takeover followed reports of federal drone strikes and the formation of a new anti-government alliance involving the TPLF and six other armed groups. Fighting has spread beyond Tigray into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, with both the federal government and Tigrayan authorities trading blame for the resumption of hostilities. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended all flights to the region, and international bodies including the UN and AU have called for an immediate de-escalation to prevent a return to full-scale civil war.
// Background
The current escalation follows the 2020-2022 civil war that resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Although the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement ended large-scale fighting, tensions remained high over unfulfilled provisions, territorial disputes, and the sidelining of the TPLF from federal power. In late 2025, sporadic clashes resumed, culminating in the current crisis after the TPLF formed a broad anti-government coalition with groups like the Amhara Fano militia in September 2026.
// Key Developments
- Tigrayan forces seized Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle and regional airports in Shire and Axum.
- Ethiopian Airlines suspended all flights to the Tigray region indefinitely due to the security situation.
- Heavy fighting reported in the Afar towns of Abala and Erebti, with Tigrayan forces reportedly advancing toward Yallo.
- A drone strike in Alamata on Tuesday reportedly killed 14 civilians and injured 22 others.
- The TPLF joined a new seven-group 'Alliance for Survival' aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power.
- The US and African Union have warned of potential sanctions and called for an immediate return to political dialogue.
// Timeline
-
A drone strike destroys a food aid truck carrying 41 metric tons of assistance in northwestern Tigray.
-
Seven armed groups, including the TPLF and Fano, announce the 'Alliance for Survival' to remove the federal government.
-
Drone strikes in Alamata kill 14 civilians; fighting erupts in Abala and Erebti in the Afar region.
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Tigrayan forces seize Mekelle, Shire, and Axum airports; Ethiopian Airlines suspends all flights to the region.
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Reports indicate Tigrayan forces are using heavy artillery to advance toward Yallo in the Afar region.
// Perspectives
[Tigray Regional Government (TPLF)]
Claims they are engaged in a 'defensive war' following intensive federal bombardments involving aircraft, drones, and artillery.
[Ethiopian Federal Government]
Accuses the TPLF of launching an unprovoked 'all-out offensive' and violating the Pretoria Peace Agreement by allying with other insurgent groups.
[United States Government]
Condemns the TPLF offensive and the strike on a food aid convoy, threatening further sanctions against leaders who pursue conflict.
[United Nations]
Expresses grave concern over the seizure of infrastructure and calls for maximum restraint to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.
// Quotes
“The TPLF leadership early in the morning today launched an all out offensive against government positions in Afar and Amhara.”
“It is the beginning of the war... I do not see the possibility of a de-escalation now.”
“Rejecting dialogue sponsored by the African Union... and engaging in an unwinnable fight does nothing for the people.”
