Ethiopian forces and allied militias have reportedly expanded their control across the northern Tigray region, advancing into the historic city of Aksum as ongoing hostilities continue to destabilize the area. The developments mark another volatile chapter in the region's protracted security crisis.

The pro-government Tigray Peace Force (TPF) claimed that troops from neighboring Eritrea have retreated toward the border, allegedly suffering significant casualties during recent engagements. However, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel dismissed these assertions as false, and the reported losses could not be independently verified amid restricted access to the zone.

Conflict-monitoring organization ACLED confirmed that government-aligned fighters entered Aksum, while rival Tigrayan forces maintained positions in surrounding mountainous terrain. ACLED also documented Eritrean troops withdrawing through Zalambessa. Local residents reported a temporary lull in active fighting, though the town of Zalambessa has reportedly endured power and water outages for a full week, leaving civilians in deep distress.

The situation is further complicated by Addis Ababa's accusations against Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt, alleging foreign backing for a coalition of opposition groups fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration. Eritrea has vehemently denied involvement, accusing Ethiopia of undermining regional sovereignty following the breakdown of diplomatic ties earlier this month.

Amid the escalating geopolitical friction, the US regime stepped in with diplomatic messaging, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly held a phone call with Prime Minister Abiy to urge de-escalation. The official US narrative claimed the region cannot endure further conflict, though skepticism remains regarding the efficacy of external pressures in resolving deep-seated regional rivalries.

Source: www.aljazeera.com