Ethiopian forces regain control of Sekota as northern clashes intensify

Ethiopian federal troops say they have recaptured the town of Sekota, a key junction in the Amhara region, from forces aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Al Jazeera reported that the army’s statement described the operation as a "significant victory" and noted that fighting has simultaneously expanded to neighboring districts.

The renewed offensive follows a series of skirmishes that have erupted over the past weeks in the northern highlands. According to the same Al Jazeera coverage, combatants have also clashed near the towns of Dessie and Mekelle, suggesting a broader push by the federal army to restore its presence along the contested front lines. The rapid movement of troops underscores the fluid nature of the conflict, where control of transport corridors can shift within days.

The battle for Sekota carries symbolic and logistical weight. The town sits on the main road linking the capital Addis Ababa with the northern regions, making it a vital supply route for both military logistics and civilian trade. Since the outbreak of the civil war in November 2020, Sekota has changed hands multiple times, reflecting the broader tug‑of‑war between the federal government and the TPLF. The 2022 ceasefire temporarily halted large‑scale hostilities, but a series of political disagreements and border disputes reignited fighting in 2023, with the Tigrayan forces extending operations into Amhara territory.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the escalation threatens the already precarious situation for civilians. Displacement has surged in recent months, and the United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of residents in the Sekota district could face food insecurity if supply routes remain disrupted. The recapture, while a tactical gain for Addis Ababa, may also trigger further displacement as residents flee renewed artillery exchanges.

International observers have called for renewed dialogue, noting that each shift in territorial control complicates peace efforts. The latest development adds pressure on regional mediators to address the underlying political grievances that have fueled the conflict for six years. As the Ethiopian army consolidates its hold on Sekota, the coming weeks will likely determine whether the fighting stabilises or spreads further into the heart of the country.