Ethiopian forces in Tigray have entered the strategic town of Adwa, near the Eritrean border, following the withdrawal of Tigrayan fighters, according to residents.
The advance comes amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia and growing concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Government-allied forces have also regained control of the regional capital, Mekelle, following clashes with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Eritrea have exchanged accusations over alleged involvement in the fighting.
Ethiopian forces in Tigray enter Adwa
Federal troops and allied militia entered Adwa after Tigrayan fighters withdrew from the town, residents told the Associated Press.
Adwa lies in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region, close to the border with Eritrea.
The development marks another reported advance by government-aligned forces during the latest round of fighting.
According to Africanews and the Associated Press, government-allied forces have also regained control of Mekelle.
The city serves as Tigray’s regional capital and remains an important political and transport centre.
However, the latest military developments have raised concerns about further instability.
Flights resume as government forces regain Mekelle
Ethiopian Airlines has resumed flights to Mekelle following a disruption linked to the fighting.
Tigrayan fighters reportedly seized the city’s airport on September 23.
They later withdrew on October 3, allowing government-allied forces to enter the city.
The resumption of flights marks an important development for transport links between Mekelle and other parts of Ethiopia.
However, the wider security situation remains uncertain as military operations continue in the region.
Meanwhile, a former Tigray leader who now advises Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has promised changes in the region.
He said residents would see “visible change” but did not provide further details.
Ethiopia and Eritrea exchange accusations
The renewed fighting has increased tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea.
Ethiopian authorities have accused Eritrea of supporting Tigrayan fighters and sending troops across the border.
However, Eritrea has denied the allegations.
Eritrean officials have also urged the United Nations to intervene amid the growing dispute.
The competing claims have raised concerns about possible cross-border escalation.
Ethiopia and Eritrea share a long and complicated history of political and military tensions.
Their latest disagreement comes as northern Ethiopia faces another period of uncertainty.
United Nations calls for dialogue
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the parties to end hostilities and return to negotiations.
The appeal comes amid fears that continued fighting could threaten regional stability.
International concern has increased as military developments unfold near the Eritrean border.
Diplomatic efforts remain important because renewed hostilities could affect communities already recovering from earlier conflict.
The United Nations has repeatedly emphasised the need for peaceful dialogue and the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
Renewed fighting raises regional concerns
The latest developments come after years of conflict and political disputes in northern Ethiopia.
The November 2022 peace agreement ended the previous major war between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan forces.
However, renewed clashes have raised concerns about the durability of that agreement.
The reported advances in Adwa and Mekelle highlight the changing military situation.
At the same time, tensions involving Eritrea add another challenge to regional diplomacy.
For now, international attention remains focused on preventing further escalation and encouraging the parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.