Ethiopian army claims to have taken Tigrayan stronghold

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Published: 2026-09-29T06:30:35.321Z • Permanent link

Ethiopian army claims to have taken Tigrayan stronghold after weeks of intense fighting. Ethiopian Defence Force Commander General Berhanu Jibreal announced the capture of Tigray's capital city, Mekele, on September 28, according to official Ethiopian News Agency reports. The news comes after months of escalating tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a regional force that has been accused of rebellion against the federal government.

The Ethiopian army's advances in Tigray have been marked by significant losses on both sides. According to reports from the United Nations, over 400 civilians have been killed and thousands more displaced since the conflict began in November last year. The international community has been divided in its response to the crisis, with some countries like the United States and the European Union calling for a ceasefire and others like China and Russia providing military support to the Ethiopian government.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael has denied reports of the fall of Mekele, stating that his forces continue to resist the Ethiopian army's advances. The TPLF has also accused the Ethiopian government of committing war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and humanitarian disaster.

The fall of Mekele and the subsequent capture of Tigrayan stronghold by the Ethiopian army has significant implications for the global infrastructure sector. The region is home to numerous key infrastructure projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Africa. The dam, which is currently under construction, is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 5 million homes and has been the subject of intense international scrutiny due to concerns over its impact on downstream countries.

The conflict in Tigray also has major implications for the global supply chain, with many international companies operating in the region. Companies such as Maersk and CMA CGM have both suspended operations in Tigray due to the ongoing conflict, while others like Unilever and Nestle have announced plans to evacuate their staff and suspend operations in the region. The conflict has also raised concerns about the impact on global food security, with many crops and livestock being affected by the conflict.

The conflict in Tigray is part of a larger pattern of instability in the Horn of Africa, which has been marked by tensions between regional powers and international actors. The region has a long history of conflict, dating back to the 19th century, and has been the site of numerous humanitarian crises over the years. The conflict in Tigray is also part of a broader regional dynamic, with many countries in the region vying for influence and resources.