Fighting intensifies in Afar as federal troops confront TPLF assault, Tigray faces internet blackout
Heavy fighting broke out in Ethiopia's Afar region as federal troops engaged a Tigray People’s Liberation Front assault near the mountain town of Abala, deploying drones to block the advance. An internet blackout has been confirmed in the Tigray region, matching eyewitness reports of a telecom disruption. Residents in Mekelle and nearby towns have begun panic buying of food, cash and medicines amid reports of dwindling stocks.
Earlier this month, about 300 TPLF fighters surrendered to federal forces along the Tekeze corridor, handing over weapons and ammunition. The United Nations and the European Union have called for de‑escalation and a return to peace talks.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 35h later
Why it matters
The renewed combat and communications cut risk expanding the conflict and deepening a humanitarian crisis in a vulnerable region.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report the same core events - a TPLF-led offensive, a new seven-group alliance, and an internet blackout - but they differ in what they stress.
LEFT
Covers the fighting as a dangerous slide back into civil war, highlighting the rebel coalition’s goal to overthrow the federal government and the humanitarian fallout.
CENTER
Focuses on the escalation ending the 2022 peace deal, noting the internet blackout and civilian panic over supplies.
RIGHT
Portrays the conflict as a renewed armed clash with the TPLF imposing a communications shutdown, emphasizing the army’s claimed successes and the surrender of 300 fighters.
The left emphasises
- renewed clashes spark fears of Ethiopia slipping back into civil war
- formation of a seven-group alliance aiming to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
- humanitarian concerns such as displacement and past blackout hardships
The right emphasises
- internet and phone blackout imposed by TPLF amid renewed fighting
- Ethiopian army claims major successes against rebels
- around 300 TPLF fighters surrender, delivering weapons
How this story developed
- Sep 18 Around 300 Tigray fighters surrender as tensions rise along the Tekeze corridor
- Sep 23 Local sources say Tigrayan forces took control of the main airport in the regional capital Mekelle from federal police. In response, Ethiopian Airlines announced on social media that flights to Mekelle and the nearby cities of Shire and Axum are suspended due to the situation. The seizure follows the recent formation of an alliance of the TPLF and six other armed groups that aim to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. Relations between the federal authorities and the Tigray People's Liberation Front have deteriorated since the 2020-22 war that left hundreds of thousands dead. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
- Sep 23 Ethiopian Airlines posted a flight suspension following the reported airport seizure.
- Sep 25 Federal forces and TPLF fighters clashed in Afar while a telecom blackout hit Tigray.
Related stories
14 in this thread