Government-allied forces are continuing efforts to expand their control across Ethiopia’s Tigray region, with a Tigray Peace Force commander reporting drone strikes as markets begin reopening in the regional capital, Mekelle.
Ermiyas Ababu, a commander with the Tigray Peace Force, said his forces are working alongside the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) to regain territory following the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from Mekelle over the weekend.
Ermiyas said his group was conducting drone strikes, although he did not specify whether the attacks were carried out by the Tigray Peace Force or federal forces. He also alleged that Eritrean troops were present in northern Tigray. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the claims, while Eritrea has denied accusations that it is supporting the TPLF.
The renewed fighting follows the TPLF’s decision to withdraw from Mekelle after clashes intensified in the region. The TPLF joined six other opposition groups last month in an alliance seeking to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
The latest violence threatens the fragile November 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war in Tigray. The previous conflict caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis, and renewed hostilities have raised fears of another prolonged period of instability.
Despite the security concerns, signs of normal life are beginning to return to Mekelle. Markets have reopened, pedestrians are returning to the streets and motorized rickshaws, locally known as bajajs, have resumed carrying passengers.
However, residents say the recovery remains fragile. Supplies of essential goods are limited, while a shortage of cash continues to make it difficult for businesses and residents to resume normal economic activity.
Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle on Sunday after the TPLF announced its withdrawal. The Tigray Peace Force includes former members of the TPLF’s armed wing who are now aligned with the government.
The renewed conflict has also disrupted air travel after fighting around Mekelle’s airport prompted Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire. Federal and allied forces later regained control of the airport.
As fighting continues in parts of Tigray, residents remain concerned about the possibility of further violence, displacement and shortages. The reopening of markets offers some relief, but the continuing reports of drone strikes underline the uncertainty facing the region.
Swifteradio.com
