Fighting has erupted between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front in the Afar and Amhara regions. The TPLF seized control of the airport in the regional capital of Mekelle, prompting an advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to accuse the group of launching an "all out offensive" against government positions. While Tigray regional authorities described the escalation as a "defensive war," clashes were reported in the towns of Abala and Erebti in the Afar region.

The resumed conflict follows the formation of an alliance among seven armed groups, including the TPLF, Amhara Fano, and the OLA, aimed at overthrowing the current government. Ethiopian Airlines has since canceled all flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. The instability comes amid reports that Ethiopia is serving as a weapons hub for the RSF militia in Sudan with supplies provided by the UAE.