Ethiopia: Airstrike reportedly kills dozens in Togoga, Tigray Region, June 22

Event

At least 43 people have reportedly been killed and 44 others injured after Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) airplanes bombed a marketplace in the northern Tigray Region, June 22. ENDF denied targeting civilians, saying it carried out the strike to neutralize members of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Togoga is around 25 km (15 miles) northwest of the region's capital, Mekelle.

There have been no reports of ongoing violence following the incident. Officials may increase security in the impacted area in the coming days. Protests by locals in response to the incident are possible. Security force operations and protests could result in localized ground travel disruptions.

Context

The military operation against the former Tigray ruling party, TPLF, is ongoing even though the federal government, with the support of Eritrean troops, controls large areas of the region, including Mekelle. Unstable security conditions persist in the general area as sporadic clashes have been reported in many parts of Tigray, particularly in the Central Zone. The TPLF’s resistance has continued; it reportedly launched offensive military operations to free government control areas, June 18. Additionally, in late May, the federal government said TPLF forces had killed at least 22 officials from the interim Tigray administration since November 2020. Critical infrastructure, including communication and electricity facilities, have been damaged, causing prolonged service disruptions.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in the Tigray Region. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid all large public gatherings and concentrations of security personnel.