Brief
Ethiopian forces and militia claim control of Aksum as Eritrean troops withdraw
Ethiopian forces and the Tigray Peace Force say they have expanded control in Tigray, entering Aksum as Eritrean troops allegedly pull back toward the border.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ethiopian federal forces and the pro‑government Tigray Peace Force (TPF) say they entered the historic city of Aksum on Thursday, expanding their hold over Tigray, while the TPF claims Eritrean troops have retreated toward the Ethiopian border.
TPF spokesperson Solomon Hailemariam told Al Jazeera that Eritrean forces suffered heavy casualties and were pulling back through Zalambessa. Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel rejected the claim as false, saying no Eritrean troops were in the area.
The independent conflict‑monitoring group ACLED recorded Ethiopian troops and TPF fighters moving into Aksum and noted Eritrean units withdrawing across the border. ACLED also logged Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons moving toward the Eritrean frontier on Tuesday, raising concerns of a broader confrontation.
Residents near the border, identified only as Selam for security, told AFP that fighting had ceased but the town has been without power or water for a week, describing “deep anxiety” as they are caught between the two armies.
Earlier this month, Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing a seven‑group rebel alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Eritrea, which fought alongside Ethiopia in the 2020‑2022 war, severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after those accusations. The TPF, which supports the federal government, has also taken part in retaking Mekelle, Adwa and Adigrat without reported resistance.
Key facts
- Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray Peace Force say they entered Aksum on 15 Oct 2026. (aljazeera.com)
- TPF claims Eritrean troops withdrew toward the border, a claim denied by Eritrea’s information minister. (aljazeera.com)
- ACLED documented Ethiopian troops, TPF fighters entering Aksum and Eritrean forces pulling back through Zalambessa. (aljazeera.com)
- Residents near Zalambessa reported a week‑long lack of power and water and no active fighting. (aljazeera.com)
- Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons moved toward the Eritrean border on Tuesday, according to ACLED. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims Eritrean losses”
