Civilians caught in renewed Tigray fighting as communications fail
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia is reportedly killing and displacing civilians, with communications disrupted across affected areas. Eyewitnesses told DW about artillery strikes and deaths, but several claims could not be independently verified. Federal and Tigrayan forces are both reported to be advancing in different areas.
Civilians are being caught in renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, with internet and other communications disrupted in affected areas. A 22-year-old woman from Selenwuha told DW that shelling struck homes where relatives were sheltering and that she had lost six family members. She said survivors, including wounded people, were confined to their homes without access to medical treatment or transport.
Residents also reported violence around the border between Tigray and Amhara. A resident of Alamata said a market attack killed 11 people and wounded 15, but the account could not be independently verified. DW said Ethiopia’s National Defense Force had not responded to a request for comment.
The strategic situation remains difficult to assess. Tigrayan forces are reportedly defending towns including Mekoni and Maychew, while federal forces are advancing towards Mekelle. Pro-government sources and the conflict monitor ACLED reported that federal forces had taken Alamata.
Fighting escalated on September 23 after Tigrayan forces seized airports in Mekelle, Aksum and Shire. The latest conflict follows unresolved issues from the 2020-22 war, including contested territory, displaced people and combatant disarmament. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had evacuated about 160 people.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.