Ethiopian government-backed forces claim near-total control of Tigray

An Ethiopian government-aligned militia group declared on Wednesday that it has secured near-complete control of the Tigray region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict that has ravaged northern Ethiopia for months. The claim emerged as reports of intensified violence swept across multiple areas of the north, underscoring the deteriorating security situation in the country.

The assertion by the pro-government forces comes amid a broader pattern of armed clashes that have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and triggered severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. International observers have expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict, with access to affected populations remaining severely restricted.

The federal government has not yet officially commented on the militia's claims of territorial control. However, the declaration signals a potential shift in the balance of power within Tigray, a region that has been a focal point of internal strife for an extended period. The situation has strained diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and the international community, with numerous countries urging all parties to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach vulnerable populations.

Experts caution that territorial claims in active conflict zones are often difficult to verify independently, and competing narratives about control of specific areas have characterized the broader conflict. The international community continues to call for negotiations to end the violence and address the mounting humanitarian emergency affecting millions in northern Ethiopia.