A coalition of militia forces has captured key aviation infrastructure in the Tigray region to launch a broad offensive against the Ethiopian federal government. The Tigray People's Liberation Front and its allies took control of airports in Mekelle, Shire, and Axum before extending fighting into the Afar and Amhara regions. TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa announced the group is now in a “full-blown war” with the state, while Ethiopia's army reported killing 272 Tigrayan fighters and wounding 260 during a counter-offensive in Amhara that caused heavy personnel and equipment losses for the rebels.

The TPLF declared its 2022 peace deal with the government dead after joining an alliance of 7 rebel groups, including Amhara Fano and the OLA, to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. In response to the escalation, US Ambassador Ervin Massinga described the TPLF's offensive as an "unwinnable fight" and warned that Washington has tools to impose additional sanctions on rebel leadership. The US State Department has issued a "Do Not Travel" warning for Tigray as combat spreads.