Ethiopian federal troops seize strategic town as Tigray offensive escalates

Federal forces in Ethiopia have taken control of a strategically located town in the northern Tigray region, a development that could allow the army to advance toward the regional capital, Mekelle, Al Jazeera reported. The seizure follows weeks of intensified clashes between the Ethiopian National Defense Force and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which have escalated after a fragile ceasefire collapsed in early August.

According to Al Jazeera, the town’s capture was achieved after heavy fighting that left several dozen combatants on both sides wounded. Military officials did not disclose the exact number of casualties, but local health workers said hospitals were already struggling to cope with an influx of injured civilians. The federal army is now reportedly positioning artillery and logistics units in the newly held area, a move that could shorten the supply lines needed for a potential assault on Mekelle.

The conflict in Tigray began in November 2020 when the Ethiopian government launched a military operation to oust the TPLF from power. After two years of grinding warfare, a tentative ceasefire was brokered in early 2025, but sporadic skirmishes persisted. The latest offensive marks the most significant territorial gain for the federal side since the ceasefire, prompting international observers to warn of a possible humanitarian crisis if fighting reaches the densely populated capital.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly highlighted the fragility of aid corridors that were established after the 2025 truce. With the front moving closer to Mekelle, thousands of internally displaced persons could be forced to flee again, overwhelming camps already stretched thin. The United Nations has called for both parties to respect civilian protection norms and to allow unhindered access for relief workers, a plea that has so far gone unanswered.

The broader regional implications are also noteworthy. Neighboring Eritrea, which has backed the Ethiopian federal forces, has maintained a limited military presence along the border. Analysts fear that a renewed push on Mekelle could draw Eritrean troops deeper into the conflict, potentially destabilizing the already volatile Horn of Africa.

While the Ethiopian government has framed the operation as a necessary step to restore national unity, the TPLF has vowed to defend the region’s autonomy, warning that any assault on Mekelle would be met with “determined resistance.” The situation remains fluid, and the international community is watching closely to see whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a further escalation.

This report draws on Al Jazeera’s coverage of the latest developments in the Ethiopian conflict.