Tigray Forces Launch Major Offensive Against Ethiopian Federal Government

Tigray forces launched a large-scale offensive against Ethiopian federal troops on Wednesday, effectively collapsing the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement that ended a two-year civil war. A senior Ethiopian official confirmed the assault originated from the northern Tigray region, while Tigray leaders described the action as a "defensive war" against federal aggression.

The escalation follows months of deteriorating relations and a Sunday announcement by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) of a new alliance with seven armed groups, including the Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The coalition aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and form a transitional administration.

“I think the war has already begun.”

Both sides have amassed troops along the Tigray border in recent months, raising fears of a return to large-scale conflict. The previous war between 2020 and 2022 killed an estimated 600,000 people and displaced millions, according to figures cited in war reports.

Witnesses in the border towns of Abala and Erebti confirmed clashes between Tigray forces and federal troops. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire, and Axum citing the security situation. Reports that Tigray forces seized control of federal-held airports in the region could not be independently verified.

Analysts view the developments as a decisive escalation. Peace researcher Kjetil Tronvoll stated the war has already begun, while German security analyst Gerrit Kurtz described it as a significant step toward renewed full-scale war.