Ethiopia Facing Deteriorating Security Situation

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026: The situation in Ethiopia has escalated significantly after heavy fighting erupted again in the north of the country, particularly in the Tigray region, as federal government forces and supporting troops advance towards the city of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.

Reports indicate that government-supported forces have captured Milazat, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mekelle.

On the other hand, the TPLF leadership has stated that their forces will launch a counterattack, although the actual situation on the battlefields is difficult to independently verify.

The tension has increased after Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, with Addis Ababa accusing Eritrea of actions it described as hostile.

Eritrea responded by announcing that it has severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.

The fighting has also spread to Amhara and Afar, with communication in many parts of Tigray cut off and commercial flights suspended. There are fears that the conflict could affect major cities including Mekelle.

Meanwhile, the African Union has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to exercise full restraint and avoid statements and actions that could escalate tensions, urging that conflicts be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means.

The tension has also reached the relationship between Ethiopia and Egypt, as the two countries have exchanged diplomatic measures. Ethiopia has also accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting armed groups opposed to the government, allegations that those countries have denied.

The situation has raised new concerns that the Tigray conflict could escalate into a regional crisis affecting the Horn of Africa, particularly Eritrea and Sudan. Ethiopia and Eritrea previously engaged in a border war from 1998 to 2000, and their diplomatic relations were restored in 2018.