Authorities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region accused the federal government on Tuesday of carrying out a new drone strike, amid mounting fears that renewed tensions could reignite conflict in the area.
Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan troops have been building up on opposite sides of the region’s borders for months, while drone strikes attributed to the federal government have increased in recent weeks.
The developments have raised concerns about a return to large-scale fighting following the devastating 2020–2022 war, which is estimated to have killed at least 600,000 people.
Amanuel Assefa, deputy chairman of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), told AFP that a drone strike took place on Tuesday morning in an area south of the regional capital, Mekelle.
He said preliminary information indicated that several civilians may have been killed inside their homes, but provided no further details.
AFP said it was unable to independently verify the claim. Ethiopia’s federal military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A medical source at a nearby hospital, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said at least three people were wounded in Tuesday’s strike, including at least one TPLF fighter.
According to conflict-monitoring group ACLED, 14 drone attacks have been recorded in Tigray so far this year, with most reportedly targeting military positions.
Tensions in the region have increased despite the peace agreement that formally ended the two-year war between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan forces.
The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades before losing much of its influence following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018. Growing political and security tensions subsequently culminated in the outbreak of war in November 2020.
Separately, rights groups have accused the TPLF this year of carrying out a campaign of forced recruitment, adding to concerns over renewed militarisation in the region.
