Ethiopia’s Tigray Conflict Escalates: 52 Civilians Killed in Alamata as Federal Forces Advance
Heavy fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has killed at least 52 civilians in Alamata over three days, with government troops reportedly seizing the town and advancing toward Mekelle. The conflict, which began after months of tension over the 2022 peace deal, has spread to neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, stranding tourists in Lalibela and cutting off internet and banking services. While the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) claims it is responding to a federal offensive, the government asserts Tigrayan forces attacked first after seizing regional airports. The escalation has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 700 wounded admitted to hospitals and thousands of residents fleeing to Alamata, where essential services have collapsed.