The Ethiopian federal army announced on Thursday that it had taken control of a major stronghold in the Tigray region that had been under the command of regional forces for several months. The claim was reported by Al Jazeera, which cited statements from the military’s public affairs office.
According to the army’s statement, the operation involved coordinated ground assaults supported by artillery and aerial assets. The forces reportedly entered the area after a series of preparatory maneuvers that began earlier in the week. Military officials said the capture would weaken the opposition’s ability to launch attacks on nearby federal positions and disrupt supply lines.
The announcement comes as the conflict that erupted in November 2020 between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) continues to generate instability across the Horn of Africa. While a cease‑fire was brokered in 2024, sporadic clashes have persisted, particularly in the northern border zones where both sides maintain fortified positions.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that renewed fighting could exacerbate an already dire situation for civilians. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly highlighted shortages of food, medicine, and shelter in the region, noting that displacement figures remain high. Al Jazeera noted that the army’s claim did not include an estimate of casualties on either side, and no independent verification of the town’s status has been provided.
The Tigrayan regional authorities have not yet issued an official response to the claim. In previous statements, TPLF representatives have contested federal reports of territorial gains, often labeling them as propaganda intended to portray a military advantage. Observers familiar with the conflict suggest that control of the stronghold could be contested, with the possibility of counter‑offensives in the coming days.
International reactions have been muted, with most foreign ministries calling for restraint and a return to dialogue. The African Union, which has been mediating peace talks, reiterated its support for a negotiated settlement and urged both parties to avoid actions that could further endanger civilians.
The situation remains fluid, and independent monitors have called for greater transparency regarding troop movements and civilian impact. As the conflict enters its seventh year, the capture of the stronghold, if confirmed, would represent a notable development in the broader struggle for control over northern Ethiopia’s contested territories.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/29/ethiopian-army-claims-to-have-taken-tigrayan-stronghold?traffic_source=rss.