Ethiopia: No regard for civilians as fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region continues

Fighting has intensified in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region, with civilians caught in the crossfire between opposing forces. The internet and communication services remain largely disrupted, making it difficult to obtain accurate information from the affected area. Eyewitnesses report a growing toll on civilians, with families losing loved ones to heavy weaponry shelling.

The nearest medical facilities and transportation are far away, leaving those wounded with no access to treatment. Reports of violent incidents, particularly in the border region between Tigray and Amhara regions, highlight the deadly consequences of the conflict. The strategic situation on the ground is unclear, with both rebel and federal forces making advances in various areas.

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is reportedly advancing towards the regional capital Mekelle, while Tigrayan forces defend other towns such as Mekoni and Maychew. Pro-government militia has claimed that the ENDF deliberately targeted civilians in Alamata, a strategically important town situated on a major highway. However, these claims cannot be independently verified.

The conflict began on September 23 when Tigrayan forces seized key locations, including airports, regional hubs, and the capital Mekele. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and six armed groups had previously formed an alliance to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, which was joined by the Amhara Fano National Movement.

The federal government and Tigrayan forces have accused each other of initiating the latest escalation, portraying their actions as defensive. The TPLF's internal power struggle and reinstatement of the regional council further strain relations with Addis Ababa. Concerns mount as organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) struggle to evacuate civilians from Tigray, with only around 160 individuals rescued so far.

Reports of damage to civilian infrastructure, disruptions to essential services, and the potential impact on hospitals, schools, and religious institutions add urgency to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.