Ethiopia military says it is showing restraint as conflict spreads
Ethiopia's army chief said the military is responding with restraint to provocations from the Tigray front amid fears of another civil war. He accused Eritrea of funding and supporting armed groups to weaken Ethiopia, an allegation Eritrea denied. Fighting has spread from Tigray into Afar and Amhara after seven armed groups formed an alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
Army Chief Berhanu Jula, in his first remarks on the escalation, said federal forces were answering Tigray-front provocations with restraint. He alleged Eritrea backs armed groups, including the Tsimdo alliance, to weaken Ethiopia; Eritrea denied this. Seven groups have united as the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, seeking Abiy Ahmed’s removal.
Clashes have moved into Afar and Amhara, including around Abala, North Wollo, Sama, Soqota and Raya Alamata. The army claimed heavy Tigrayan losses in a counter-offensive, while Tigray’s forces described a large federal attack using ground troops, armored units and drones. Internet cuts and UN concern over drone strikes against civilians have deepened strain on the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
If fighting widens, civilians in Tigray, Afar and Amhara could face displacement, disrupted communications and reduced access to aid. Renewed mobilization may deepen communal tensions and strain already fragile services. A broader conflict could also affect Ethiopia’s political stability and regional relations, though restraint claims and diplomacy may still limit escalation. Families, traders and humanitarian operations in the north may bear the earliest effects.