At least one person was killed and another injured in drone strikes carried out on Saturday in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, raising fresh concerns over a possible resurgence of conflict between regional and federal forces.
A senior Tigrayan official and a humanitarian worker confirmed the incident, describing it as the latest sign of renewed tensions following clashes earlier this week in the disputed western Tigray area.
According to the Tigrayan official, the strikes targeted two Isuzu trucks near the towns of Enticho and Gendebta, located about 20 kilometres apart. The official alleged that the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) carried out the attacks but did not provide evidence. Both the official and the humanitarian worker requested anonymity.
An ENDF spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
It was not immediately clear what the trucks were transporting at the time of the strikes. However, TPLF-affiliated outlet Dimtsi Weyane published photographs on Facebook showing damaged vehicles, claiming the trucks were carrying food and cooking supplies. In contrast, pro-government activists on social media alleged the vehicles were transporting weapons.
The incident follows reports of renewed fighting between regional and national forces in western Tigray earlier in the week, according to diplomatic and government sources.
Tensions have also disrupted civilian life in the region. Earlier this week, Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to Tigray, while residents reportedly rushed to banks to withdraw cash amid fears of escalating violence.
Ethiopia’s national army fought forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for two years until a peace agreement was signed in November 2022. Researchers estimate that hundreds of thousands of people died during the conflict due to fighting, famine and the collapse of healthcare services.
Despite the peace deal, disputes have persisted over several unresolved issues, including control of western Tigray and the delayed disarmament of Tigrayan forces, leaving the region vulnerable to renewed instability.
