Ethiopian government-allied forces are expanding their control across the northern Tigray region after retaking the regional capital, Mekelle, following the withdrawal of forces led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Fighting continued Tuesday outside the capital, with pro-government commanders saying drone strikes were being used to support advances against opposition forces.

The renewed conflict is the most serious escalation in Tigray since the November 2022 peace agreement ended a two-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Fighting resumed on September 23 and has since spread across parts of northern Ethiopia, placing the agreement under its most significant strain since it was signed.

Fighting Continues Beyond Mekelle

Airstrikes and artillery fire have continued despite the change of control in Mekelle. A humanitarian bulletin cited by Reuters reported at least 17 deaths in strikes on Adwa and Sheraro northwest of Mekelle, although Reuters said it could not independently confirm the casualties or determine who conducted the strikes.

The TPLF has joined six other opposition groups in an alliance seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. Government-aligned Tigray Peace Force units are operating alongside the Ethiopian National Defense Force and say their objective is to expand control throughout the region.

Regional Tensions Deepen

The conflict is increasingly intersecting with worsening relations between Ethiopia and its neighbors. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting armed opposition forces, accusations all three governments have denied. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic relations last week after months of growing tension.

Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia discussed the Ethiopian crisis Sunday, according to Egyptian officials cited by Reuters. The officials said the countries agreed to coordinate military and intelligence efforts if the conflict reaches borders shared with Ethiopia, adding another regional dimension to the fighting.

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also been strained by Addis Ababa's renewed focus on access to the Red Sea. Abiy told parliament Monday that Ethiopia's modernization could not be achieved without sea access, while Eritrea has expressed concern that Ethiopia could eventually attempt to seize the port of Assab. Abiy has said Ethiopia intends to pursue maritime access peacefully.