Ethiopian government forces and an allied militia have entered the strategic north-western town of Adwa without armed resistance, following the withdrawal of Tigray People’s Liberation Front fighters on Saturday. The advance came as Ethiopian Airlines restored commercial passenger flights to Tigray’s regional capital, Mekelle, for the first time since late September.
According to local accounts, federal units took control on Sunday, days after seizing Adigrat and asserting authority over Mekelle. When asked for comment regarding the withdrawal, TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa stated that he “did not wish to comment”.
Residents confirmed that TPLF units vacated the area, though commercial activity remained halted.
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Cross-border accusations and regional diplomatic fallout
The fighting has heightened friction between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea, with both states trading severe accusations before international bodies.
In a formal letter submitted to the United Nations Security Council, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos designated the entry of Eritrean troops as a “blatant act of aggression that engages Ethiopia’s inherent right to self-defence”. Timothewos stated that “when Ethiopia is left with no other option but to defend itself, we count on your understanding, support, and solidarity.”
Conversely, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel maintained that Asmara is facing “an unprovoked war of aggression”, dismissing allegations of backing rebel groups as “duplicity in their most extreme forms”. Gebremeskel further claimed that Addis Ababa was “openly working to bring about regime change in Eritrea by providing shelter and support to certain mercenaries who claim to be opposition”.
Image credit: Reuters
