Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims Eritrean losses

Key Points:

• Ethiopian forces and allied Tigray Peace Force (TPF) fighters have expanded control in Tigray, entering the historic city of Aksum amid ongoing conflict in the northern region.
• The TPF claims Eritrean troops have retreated towards the border after sustaining significant casualties, though Eritrea’s Information Minister denies these reports; independent verification of losses is lacking.
• The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) confirmed Ethiopian and TPF forces in Aksum with Tigrayan fighters holding nearby mountainous areas, and reported Eritrean troop withdrawals through Zalambessa following Ethiopian advances.
• Tensions remain high as Ethiopian tanks and heavy weapons move toward the Eritrean border, raising fears of confrontation; Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting rebel groups, while those countries deny involvement.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation in a call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, emphasizing that the region cannot endure further conflict.