ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia’s army said on Thursday that it had repelled attacks in the Tigray region, marking the first official comment on fresh fighting since the ceasefire that ended the main phase of the conflict in November 2022. The statement was released by the army’s spokesperson on the national radio network and was reported by the BBC on 24 September 2026.
New clashes in a fragile ceasefire
The army’s announcement comes after a series of incidents along the Tigray‑Eritrea border that have raised concerns among regional observers. In the weeks leading up to the statement, there were reports of skirmishes involving local militias and Ethiopian forces in the northern districts of Tigray. The army said it had engaged hostile forces that had launched an assault on a military outpost near the town of Shire, a key supply route for the region.
Army’s statement and operational details
According to the army’s spokesperson, the forces had repelled the attack with minimal casualties on the Ethiopian side. The spokesperson added that the army had deployed additional troops to the area to secure the perimeter and prevent further incursions. No figures were released for the number of enemy combatants neutralised or for any material losses.
Context of the Tigray conflict
The Tigray region has been the focus of a protracted conflict that began in November 2020 when the federal government launched an operation against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The fighting, which involved the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) and allied regional militias, resulted in widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. A ceasefire brokered by the African Union and the United Nations in November 2022 ended the main phase of the war, but sporadic clashes have continued in the years since.
In 2023, the Ethiopian government announced a “peace and reconciliation” initiative aimed at integrating former TPLF fighters into the national army. However, the initiative has faced criticism for its limited scope and for not addressing the underlying grievances that fueled the conflict. The recent attacks, therefore, have been viewed by analysts as a potential setback to the fragile peace process.
International reaction and regional implications
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly called for a return to the ceasefire and for the protection of civilians in Tigray. In a statement issued earlier this month, OCHA said that any new violence would undermine the humanitarian assistance being delivered to the region. The African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia (AMIS) has also urged the parties to respect the ceasefire and to engage in dialogue.
Regional neighbours have expressed concern over the potential spill‑over of violence. Eritrea, which shares a border with Tigray, has maintained a cautious stance, calling for restraint from all parties. Sudan, which has historically been involved in the region’s security dynamics, has reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Future outlook
While the army’s statement indicates a brief tactical victory, it does not signal a broader shift in the security situation. The Ethiopian government has not announced any changes to its military posture or to the ceasefire agreement. Analysts suggest that the army’s deployment of additional troops may be a preventive measure rather than a response to a large‑scale offensive.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a meeting for early October to discuss the latest developments in Tigray. The council is expected to review the effectiveness of the ceasefire and to consider further measures to support a lasting peace.
