Ethiopia: Military operations reported in Tigray region November 3

Event

On Tuesday, November 3, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) targeted Ethiopian National Defense Forces' (ENDF) positions in Tigray region. Reports indicate that TPLF opened fire on a federal defense camp in Tigray. Fighting has also been reported in Soroka and Western Tigray, though details remain unclear. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has given the ENDF orders to start a military offensive against TPLF in the regional state. The TPLF forces were based in Dansheha in the northwest of the region and have deployed a large number of special forces in Raya and Welkait regions of the state. Sources suggest that internet services have been shutdown regionally in Ethiopia as of 01:00 (local time) on Wednesday, November 4. 

Further operations and clashes between the two forces are possible in Tigray in the near term.

Context

Tensions have been high between regional leaders in Tigray and Prime Minister Abiy since the region held elections in September despite a ruling to postpone all voting due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Abiy and his government declared the vote illegitimate and the upper house of Ethiopia's parliament voted to withhold budgetary subsidies to Tigray in early October. 

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for security operations and militant activity, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.