Two drone strikes hit Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region on Saturday, killing a truck driver and heightening fears of renewed conflict.
The attacks targeted trucks in central Tigray, as tensions escalated between local forces and Ethiopia’s federal authorities.
Hostilities have flared in recent days around Tsemlet in western Tigray, an area disputed by neighbouring Amhara regional forces.
Flights to Tigray have been suspended since Thursday, deepening the region’s growing sense of isolation and uncertainty.
Local media reported the first drone strike began at about 3:30 am and lasted roughly 30 minutes.
A truck driver was killed during the initial attack, with images later showing a body slumped behind the steering wheel.
A second drone strike followed around two hours later, hitting another truck reportedly carrying pepper, according to the same outlet.
Two sources close to Tigray’s local authorities confirmed both attacks to Agence France-Presse.
Ethiopia’s federal army did not respond to requests for comment on the reported drone strikes.
Drones were widely used during the 2020 to 2022 Tigray war, which claimed at least 600,000 lives, African Union estimates show.
On Friday, the African Union voiced deep concern over developments in Tigray and urged all parties to show restraint.
Tensions persist over the presence of Amhara and Eritrean troops in Tigray, in violation of the peace agreement.
Political fractures have also widened within Tigray, with last year’s interim regional leader forced to flee the capital, Mekele.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front remains banned, as Addis Ababa accuses it of preparing for another war against Ethiopia.