Drone Strike In Tigray Capital Injures 13, Raises Fears Of Renewed War

A drone strike on Mekelle, capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, injured at least 13 people, including five children and seven women. Several homes were damaged, and a second strike was reportedly carried out near Mekelle University. The attack comes amid growing tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF, raising fears of renewed conflict less than four years after the 2022 peace agreement ended a devastating war in Tigray. Tigray is still recovering from the conflict, with about one million people displaced and severe economic challenges continuing across the region.

A drone strike on Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, has injured at least 13 people, including five children, according to a hospital official.
The attack, which struck a residential area early Thursday, damaged homes and came amid rising tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The latest violence has renewed fears that Tigray could slide back into a conflict less than four years after a peace agreement ended a devastating two-year war.

CHILDREN AND WOMEN AMONG THE INJURED

At least 13 people were taken to Ayder Referral Hospital following the strike.
Hospital emergency ward coordinator Birhanu Hailemariam said three of the victims sustained serious injuries and were undergoing further medical examinations.
The victims ranged in age from two to 60 years old. Five children and seven women were among those receiving treatment.
Residents described scenes of destruction in the neighbourhood.
Almaz Wedu, a farmer, said the roof of her home suddenly collapsed around her during the attack.
Another resident, Memhr Hadush, said his wife, four children, mother-in-law and himself were all injured while inside their home.

SECOND STRIKE REPORTED NEAR UNIVERSITY

TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa said the first drone struck a residential area in Mekelle.
He later reported a second strike near Mekelle University, although there were no immediate reports of casualties from the second incident.
Ethiopia's federal army had not publicly commented on the reported attacks at the time of publication.

TENSIONS RISE AFTER TIGRAY WAR

The strikes come as federal and Tigrayan forces have reportedly increased their presence near the regional border in recent months.
Both sides have accused the other of preparing for a possible return to conflict.
Tigray was devastated by a two-year war between Ethiopian federal forces and the TPLF that began in 2020 and ended with the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
The conflict caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people estimated to have died and large numbers displaced from their homes.
The TPLF has also alleged that fighting broke out between federal and Tigrayan forces near the Sudan border on August 1, although the federal government has not confirmed the claim.

STRIKE COULD SIGNAL TOUGHER FEDERAL RESPONSE

Regional analyst Kjetil Tronvoll said the drone strike could indicate a tougher approach by Addis Ababa towards the TPLF.
He suggested the operation may have been intended to target senior TPLF figures rather than civilians, while warning that the use of such military tactics could further escalate tensions.
The strike therefore raises concerns about whether the fragile peace in Tigray is beginning to unravel.

TIGRAY STILL RECOVERING FROM WAR

Tigray continues to face serious humanitarian and economic challenges following the previous conflict.
Around one million people remain displaced, while the region's economy has struggled amid reduced federal support and the destruction of infrastructure.
The TPLF remains a major political and military force in Tigray, despite continuing tensions with Ethiopia's federal authorities.
For residents such as Wedu and Hadush, the latest attack is a painful reminder of a conflict they had hoped was behind them.
The immediate concern is now whether the Mekelle strikes remain an isolated incident or become part of a wider escalation that could once again plunge Tigray into war.