The short version
- Tigrayan forces have taken control of Mekelle airport from federal police, leading Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to the region due to security concerns.
- A new alliance of seven rebel groups has announced plans to remove the Addis Ababa government, while drone strikes in Alamata have killed at least 14 civilians.
- Tensions remain high over alleged violations of the 2022 peace deal, with both sides accusing each other of failing to implement key provisions and engaging in provocative actions.
Local authorities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have seized control of the main airport in Mekelle from federal police forces, marking a significant escalation in tensions that threaten to reignite civil war. Residents reported the takeover to international media outlets, noting that no flights are currently landing at the facility. Ethiopian Airlines confirmed it has suspended services to Mekelle as well as to the nearby cities of Shire and Axum, citing the unstable security environment. The airport is typically guarded by members of the national police force, making this seizure a direct challenge to federal authority in the regional capital.
The move comes amid a broader deterioration of relations between the central government in Addis Ababa and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the region. On Sunday, the TPLF announced a formal alliance with six other armed groups across Ethiopia, stating their collective goal is to remove the current federal government. This coalition represents a significant shift from the post-war status quo established by the African Union-mediated Pretoria Agreement, which ended a two-year conflict in November 2022. That war was one of the deadliest of the century, with estimates suggesting approximately 600,000 deaths and widespread famine conditions.
Violence has already spilled into civilian areas, drawing international condemnation. On Tuesday, drone strikes targeted the southern town of Alamata, killing at least 14 people and injuring 22 others according to Tigrayan officials. Mogos Shiferaw, the mayor of Alamata, stated that more than five drones and one fighter jet conducted over 21 strikes starting in the early morning hours. He described the aftermath as causing severe psychological trauma and panic among residents. The mayor accused federal forces of targeting two secondary schools, alleging they were struck on suspicion of being used by Tigrayan fighters. However, he noted that the schools were unoccupied because the academic year had not yet begun, despite having served as military bases during the previous conflict.
The United States State Department has condemned a separate incident involving a drone strike on Monday that targeted a convoy of Catholic vehicles carrying food aid. American officials called for an immediate investigation into the attack and urged all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue. The international community remains deeply concerned about the protection of humanitarian operations, which were critical during the previous war. Both Addis Ababa and TPLF leaders have faced scrutiny over delays in implementing key provisions of the peace deal, including disarmament and the restoration of federal services.
Political friction has intensified throughout 2026, with both sides exchanging accusations of bad faith. In July, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed parliament, accusing the TPLF of preparing for renewed conflict. Conversely, just before the general election in May, the TPLF disbanded an interim administration appointed by Abiy and restored its pre-war governance structure. These moves have undermined trust between the two parties and created a volatile political landscape. Reports also indicate that the TPLF has engaged in forced recruitment of young men to bolster its ranks, further inflaming local tensions.
Tigrayan authorities have accused the federal government of launching an open invasion against regional residents, urging citizens to support local forces and maintain unity. The BBC has not independently verified these allegations, nor has the Ethiopian government publicly commented on the specific claims regarding school strikes or the nature of military operations in Alamata. The lack of transparent communication from both sides complicates efforts to assess the true scale of hostilities and civilian casualties.
The situation poses significant risks for regional stability and humanitarian access. With flights suspended and key infrastructure under contested control, the ability to deliver aid and facilitate movement is severely compromised. The formation of a multi-group rebel alliance suggests that the conflict may expand beyond Tigray’s borders, potentially drawing in other ethnic or political factions. International mediators are likely to face increased pressure to intervene before the violence spirals out of control.
As tensions continue to rise, the prospect of a return to large-scale warfare looms larger than it has since the 2022 ceasefire. The failure to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement has left unresolved grievances on both sides, creating a fertile ground for renewed hostilities. Monitoring groups and diplomatic entities are closely watching developments in Mekelle and Alamata, hoping to prevent a slide back into the devastating conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The coming days will be critical in determining whether dialogue can still salvage the peace process or if military confrontation becomes inevitable.
Residents in affected areas remain on high alert, with many expressing fear over the potential for further airstrikes and ground operations. The psychological impact of recent attacks is evident in communities that have already endured years of instability. Local leaders are calling for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need to protect non-combatants. Without a clear path to de-escalation, the region faces an uncertain future marked by continued violence and political uncertainty.
The international community is likely to increase its diplomatic efforts in response to these developments. Previous attempts at mediation have struggled with enforcement mechanisms, leading to partial compliance from both sides. New strategies may be required to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure that any renewed peace agreement includes robust monitoring and accountability measures. Until then, the people of Tigray and surrounding regions will bear the brunt of this escalating crisis.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC World↗Tigray forces seize main airport in northern Ethiopia from police, residents tell the BBC
