Ethiopia's Tigray region has seen renewed fighting, with reports of Tigrayan rebel forces seizing control of three civilian airports, including Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. The Ethiopian government has warned of "forces of destruction" as the conflict intensifies, while the African Union has called for an immediate return to dialogue. The United States Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a security alert, advising against travel to the Tigray and Afar regions due to the escalating situation.
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended all flights to and from the affected areas, citing concerns over the security situation. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (IGAD) has urged both the federal government and Tigray authorities to cease hostilities and resume negotiations under the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. Local sources confirm that Tigrayan forces have occupied the airports, raising fears of further escalation.
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the African Union expressing deep concern over the developments. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. The region continues to face heightened risks as the battle for control intensifies.
