The TPLF, Fano and the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (ARDUF) forces have reportedly carried out joint operations in various locations across the Amhara and Afar regions. Witnesses told Horn Frequency that TPLF forces have been shelling selected locations in Afar and Amhara, targeting government forces. The TPLF has officially announced that it has shifted from a defensive strategy to an offensive posture.
Afar Front
Fresh fighting has erupted in Megale and Ab’ala woredas in Zone Two of the Afar region. TPLF forces have reportedly conducted operations in the two woredas, a development that was also confirmed by the regional government in its latest press release.
According to sources, Afar regional forces, alongside the Tigray Peace Force, also known as Hara Meret, are fighting against TPLF forces.
Meanwhile, the Afar rebel group Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, also known as Uguugumo, has reportedly taken control of Ab’ala Woreda.
Raya and Wag Hemra
Fano and TPLF forces have simultaneously launched attacks in multiple locations in the Wag Hemra area, including Sekota and Raya Kobo.
Following the reported joint operation, the two forces have taken control of Dahana and Ayina Bugna woredas and are reportedly attempting to advance toward the zonal capital, Sekota.
The two groups have also carried out similar operations in the contested Raya areas, particularly around Kobo and in the direction of Waja.
Diplomatic Pressures
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa and the African Union have issued statements calling on the warring parties to de-escalate the situation.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga directly addressed the TPLF, describing the renewed conflict as a poor decision and referring to the fighting as an “unwinnable fight.” Massinga also warned other armed groups in the alliance against taking actions that could further escalate the situation.
The TPLF leadership has expressed dissatisfaction with the ambassador’s statement.
Ahead of the embassy’s statement, the U.S. government had expressed concern over drone strikes that reportedly targeted a Catholic Relief Services humanitarian convoy. However, the ambassador’s failure to publicly comment on the reported government drone strikes has led some political commentators to accuse him of bias.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the situation in northern Ethiopia was concerning and called on all warring parties to de-escalate. He also urged the parties to resume discussions under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
Flight Suspension
Starting in the early hours of Sept. 23, all flights between Addis Ababa and Tigray were suspended indefinitely following reports that TPLF forces had taken control of the airports in Axum, Mekele and Shire.
