Fighting and Internet Disruption Reported in Northern Ethiopia

Fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray rebels was reported in parts of northern Ethiopia, while an internet disruption raised fears of a return to the communications restrictions seen during the country’s previous civil war.

A humanitarian source in Afar said federal forces fought overnight to repel a rebel assault near Abala. The source described heavy fighting around the town and said the army used a drone during the operation.

According to the source, federal forces prevented the rebels from entering Abala. The fighting was reported as continuing overnight into Friday, although details from the area remained difficult to verify.

Clashes reported in Amhara

Heavy clashes were also reported in Amhara’s North Wollo Zone, including around Lalibela. The town is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and Ethiopia’s celebrated rock-hewn churches.

The reports followed attacks by Tigray rebels during the week in neighbouring Afar and Amhara. The rebels were also reported to have seized local airports.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, has formed an alliance with six other armed groups. The rebels said they were once again in a “full-blown war” with the federal government.

Internet disruption reported

Internet monitor Netblocks reported an “internet disruption in northern Ethiopia corresponding to reports of a telecoms blackout in Tigray.” AFP was unable to reach sources in the region by telephone on Friday.

The communications disruption could not be independently verified in the supplied reports. Local residents were reported to be concerned that the country could again experience the telecommunications blackout and supplies blockade imposed on Tigray during the 2020-2022 civil war.

That conflict was estimated in the report to have killed about 600,000 people.

Analysts assess rebel strategy

Analysts said the TPLF appeared to be repeating its earlier strategy by advancing south through Amhara towards Addis Ababa. They assessed that the operation in Afar may be intended to disrupt supplies from Djibouti, through which almost all of Ethiopia’s international trade cargo, including fuel, is said to pass.

Edward Bach of Verisk Maplecroft said the alliance was likely seeking to capture settlements along important infrastructure routes in order to weaken the federal government’s ability to supply its forces.

The government was described as retaining a significant military advantage, including a large drone arsenal, an army of about 500,000 personnel and external support, notably from the United Arab Emirates. The reported military assessments and objectives of the offensive were not independently confirmed.

Regional concerns

The United States embassy said it was “disappointed to see the leadership of the TPLF… launch a large-scale offensive.” Earlier in the month, the United States lifted sanctions on Ethiopia and Eritrea linked to atrocities committed during the previous civil war, saying the “national emergency… has expired.”

The renewed fighting could also increase tensions with Eritrea. The report said Eritrea fears Ethiopia is planning to invade it to gain access to the Red Sea, though the possibility of the conflict spreading was presented as a concern rather than a confirmed development.

No specific casualty or damage total from the latest fighting was provided in the reports.