# Ethiopian civil conflict escalation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ethiopian-civil-conflict-escalation
> Updated: 2026-09-25T08:24:52.000Z. Sources: 88. Developments: 3.

Conflict in northern Ethiopia has intensified, threatening the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. Fighting involves the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and various allied groups, including the Amhara Fano National Movement and the newly formed Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival.

Clashes have expanded across the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions. Tigrayan forces have seized control of major regional airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend all flights to those locations. Recent hostilities have seen intense overnight fighting between federal forces and Tigrayan troops near the strategic town of Abala in the Afar region, where federal forces reportedly utilized drones to repel rebel attempts to enter the town.

Federal authorities have accused the TPLF of launching an all-out offensive to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power, describing the situation as a total offensive against government positions in Afar and Amhara. In contrast, Tigrayan authorities describe their actions as defensive measures following heavy bombardments by federal forces using aircraft, drones, and artillery, accusing the federal government of launching a ‘genocidal invasion.’

The escalation has triggered significant civilian distress. In cities such as Mekelle and Adigrat, residents are reportedly stockpiling food and cash due to fears of a wider war. Additionally, reports indicate that young men are fleeing Tigray for Addis Ababa to avoid forced military recruitment, with some families reportedly paying fees to secure the release of men taken by local administrations.

## Claims

- Ethiopian Airlines suspended all scheduled flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. (corroborated by 30 sources)
- Tigrayan forces reportedly seized control of Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- The 2020-2022 conflict in Ethiopia resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths according to African Union estimates. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The TPLF announced an alliance with six other armed groups to overthrow the federal government. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Fighting has expanded into the Afar and Amhara regions. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Tigray regional government claims its military actions are a response to intensive bombardments by federal forces involving drones and artillery. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Ethiopian forces and Tigrayan troops clash near Abala

Intense fighting has broken out near Abala, Ethiopia, as federal forces and Tigrayan troops clash. The conflict has disrupted regional aviation and sparked fears of forced military recruitment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethiopian-forces-and-tigrayan-troops-clash-near-abala

### 2026-09-23: Ethiopia conflict escalates as Tigray forces seize airports and launch regional offensive

Tigrayan forces have launched an offensive in Ethiopia, seizing key airports and expanding fighting into Afar and Amhara regions, threatening the 2022 peace agreement and regional stability.

86 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tigrayan-forces-seize-mekelle-airport-prompting-flight-suspensions

### 2026-09-22: Ethiopia conflict intensifies across Tigray and Amhara regions

Fighting has escalated across Ethiopia's Tigray and Amhara regions, involving the ENDF, TPLF, and Fano forces. Reports indicate drone strikes, civilian casualties, and Eritrean troop advances in Western Tigray.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethiopia-conflict-intensifies-across-tigray-and-amhara-regions

---
Cite as: Ethiopian civil conflict escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ethiopian-civil-conflict-escalation