Airstrikes and artillery hit north Ethiopia as govt and rebels clash

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Airstrikes and artillery strikes hit Ethiopia’s Tigray region as federal forces and Tigray rebel fighters engaged in fierce clashes, killing at least 17 people northwest of Mekelle. The fighting risks escalating into a wider regional conflict, with neighboring countries coordinating military efforts amid growing diplomatic tensions and humanitarian concerns.

Airstrikes and artillery fire struck Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region overnight into Monday, as clashes continued between federal government forces and rebel fighters, raising concerns about a broader escalation of the conflict. At least 17 people were reported killed in air attacks northwest of Mekelle, the regional capital, which government forces reclaimed over the weekend, according to a humanitarian bulletin distributed among aid organizations.

The bulletin indicated that government troops exchanged artillery fire with forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a key component of a rebel coalition seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. Requests for comment from Abiy’s office, the Ethiopian National Defence Force, and the TPLF went unanswered, and independent verification of the reports has not been possible.

The current fighting, which began on September 23, marks the most severe flare-up since the 2020-2022 civil war in Tigray, a conflict that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Heavy artillery exchanges were reported near the Tekeze River close to the town of Mai Tsebri on Monday morning. Overnight airstrikes killed at least nine people in Adwa and eight more in Sheraro, towns located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Mekelle.

Analysts warn that the violence risks spiraling into a larger regional conflict. Ethiopia has accused neighbouring Eritrea and Sudan, as well as Egypt, of supporting the rebel opposition. These three countries have denied the allegations. Last week, amid rising tensions, Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic relations. Eritrea and Ethiopia previously fought a border war from 1998 to 2000.

On Sunday, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia convened a meeting to discuss the crisis. Sources familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the leaders agreed to coordinate military and intelligence resources should the fighting spread to Ethiopia’s borders with their countries, though specific measures were not disclosed.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as both sides continue hostilities in the Tigray region. The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact as clashes disrupt aid operations and threaten civilians in the area.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.