Aksum entered as Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray; militia claims Eritrean losses

Fighting reaches Aksum

Ethiopian forces and allied fighters say they have extended their control in Tigray and entered the historic city of Aksum. Clashes continue across the northern region. ACLED documented government troops and TPF fighters entering Aksum, while rival Tigrayan fighters stayed in nearby mountainous areas. Solomon Hailemariam, a TPF spokesperson, said Eritrean forces had suffered significant casualties.

Residents describe anxiety

A resident of Zalambessa told the AFP news agency that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops were positioned on opposing sides. The resident, identified as Selam, used a changed first name for security reasons.

The same resident, named Salem in a subsequent reference, said people were caught between the forces and living with deep anxiety. The article gives both spellings of the resident’s name.

Border tensions draw concern

ACLED reported that Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons moved toward the Eritrean border on Tuesday. The movement raised fears of a possible confrontation between the neighboring countries. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting a seven-group rebel alliance fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Eritrea denies troop movement in northern Ethiopia and severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia earlier this month over the accusations.

Washington urges restraint

Eritrea fought alongside Ethiopia’s federal army during the 2020–2022 war. The TPF supports the federal government’s campaign against Tigrayan rebels linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Abiy and called for de-escalation. His appeal followed reports of a possible confrontation between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces.