Ethiopia’s Seven-Group Rebel Alliance Seizes Mekelle Airport in First Major Offensive
A newly formed coalition of seven Ethiopian armed groups has launched its first major offensive, with the Tigray People's Liberation Front capturing Mekelle airport as fighting spreads to the Afar and Amhara regions.
Rebels in northern Ethiopia have seized regional airports and are battling government troops in the Afar and Amhara regions, marking a significant escalation in the country's conflict [248593]. The offensive follows the announcement of a new alliance of seven armed groups against the federal government [246766][247044].
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a key member of the coalition, captured Mekelle airport in the alliance's first major operation [248766]. The coalition was announced just days before the offensive began [248766].
An official of the TPLF confirmed that seven Ethiopian armed groups had formed the alliance against the federal government [246766]. The groups have been active for years in Ethiopia's most populous regions and say the new alliance will strengthen their joint efforts [247044].
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has said a broader alignment among Ethiopian opposition forces is "taking shape" across the country [245374]. The OLA publicly distanced itself from an armed group operating in Wollega under the name Fano, calling on Fano to distance itself from the Wollega faction [245374]. The statement points to rising coordination between armed groups in different regions of Ethiopia [245374].
The United Nations has raised deep concern about Ethiopia's worsening security situation, pointing to three developments: the new coalition of armed groups, ongoing insecurity, and reports of drone strikes [247499].
Observers fear the deadly clashes could spread further [248593].