Ethiopian forces and allied fighters have reportedly expanded their control across Tigray and entered the city of Aksum as fighting continues in the northern region. The Tigray Peace Force (TPF), a pro-government militia, claimed on Thursday that Eritrean troops have retreated towards the border, stating that Eritrean forces sustained significant casualties during the conflict. However, Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel rejected these claims as false, and the extent of the reported losses remains unverified.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), an independent conflict-monitoring organization, documented the entry of Ethiopian government forces and TPF fighters into Aksum, while rival Tigrayan fighters remained in surrounding mountainous areas. ACLED also reported that Eritrean troops withdrew across the border through Zalambessa, following advances by Ethiopian forces into several strategic towns.
A resident of Zalambessa, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the situation, stating, "Ethiopian troops are on one side, and Eritrean troops are on the other." According to reports, the town has been without power or water for a week, leading to concerns among residents. ACLED documented the movement of Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons towards the Eritrean border on Tuesday, raising fears of a potential confrontation between the two countries.
Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, along with Sudan and Egypt, of supporting a rebel alliance of seven groups fighting the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Eritrea has denied these accusations and has accused Ethiopia of threatening its sovereignty. The two countries had previously fought together during the 2020-2022 war but severed diplomatic ties earlier this month over these allegations.
The TPF supports Ethiopia’s federal government in its campaign against Tigrayan rebels linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopian forces captured Tigray’s regional capital, Mekelle, earlier this month, and the TPLF confirmed its withdrawal from the city, relocating its regional administration temporarily. Reports indicate further Ethiopian advances in the town of Rama, near the Eritrean border.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for de-escalation in a conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy, emphasizing that the region could not tolerate further conflict, according to a statement from the US Department of State.