Heavy fighting, internet disruption as Ethiopia conflict rages

Heavy clashes erupted overnight in Ethiopia's Afar region as government forces tried to halt a Tigray rebel assault, according to a humanitarian source. Reports indicate an internet blackout in northern Ethiopia, fueled by fears of a repeat of the telecoms blockade during the 2020-2022 civil war that claimed up to 600,000 lives.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized local airports and launched attacks into neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, declaring a "full-blown war." The conflict has prompted widespread panic buying of essential goods in Tigray, with locals fearing another telecoms blackout and supply blockage. Online monitoring firm Netblocks confirmed an internet disruption in northern Ethiopia, aligning with telecom blackout reports in Tigray.

The federal government has a substantial military edge, boasting a large drone arsenal, a 500,000-strong army, and external support from the UAE. The TPLF has allied with six other armed groups to overthrow the Abiy Ahmed government, aiming to advance south through Amhara towards Addis Ababa while targeting supplies from Djibouti.

Analysts suggest the TPLF may be replicating its 2020-2022 strategy, pushing south to capture infrastructure routes and undermine federal supply lines. The renewed conflict coincides with the US lifting sanctions on Ethiopia and Eritrea, but tensions remain high, with neighboring Eritrea wary of a potential Ethiopian invasion.