Security

US Urges Restraint as Tigray Conflict Rocks Region

AFP · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on AFP
US Urges Restraint as Tigray Conflict Rocks Region
AI SUMMARY

The United States called for restraint and dialogue as escalating fighting in Tigray strained Ethiopia's regional relations and drew international concern ahead of a diplomatic mini-summit in Egypt.

  • The United States urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise maximum restraint, respect territorial integrity, and return to dialogue amid escalating cross-border tensions.
  • A mini-summit is scheduled for Sunday in Alamein, Egypt, bringing together the presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, alongside the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
  • Ethiopian federal forces and allied militias entered Mekelle, the capital of Tigray state, after rebels abandoned the city.
  • Fighting erupted on September 23 when the TPLF attacked neighboring states, declaring a full-blown war with the federal government.
  • Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, closed its embassy in Asmara, and severed ties with Eritrea, which accused landlocked Ethiopia of planning to seize access to its coastline.
  • Ethiopia and Egypt mutually expelled diplomats following the breakdown in regional relations.
  • TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael stated in a video message that the conflict is regional and aimed at controlling the Red Sea, indicating the group will resort to guerrilla tactics.
  • Telecommunications networks in Tigray have been severely disrupted, leaving local residents fearful for their safety and concerned about potential looting in the absence of security forces.