Fighting Intensifies in Northern Ethiopia as Internet Outage Hits Tigray

Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray rebels have clashed in northern Ethiopia, where internet service was shut off on Friday.

• NetBlocks reported a regional internet outage across northern Ethiopia on Friday, coinciding with reports of telecom disruptions in Tigray.
• Tigray forces seized three airports this week and attacked Afar and Amhara, saying they are waging a "total war" against the federal government.
• Federal forces clashed with Tigray rebels overnight Thursday, using a drone to repel an attack on Abala in Afar.
• The Ethiopian army stated it killed 272 TPLF fighters and wounded 260 in recent clashes in the north.
• Clashes expanded to Wollo, erupting around the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
• Seven opposition groups announced an alliance aimed at overthrowing the government in Addis Ababa.
• The Tigray People's Liberation Front ordered Ethio Telecom and Safaricom to cut access, with Ethio Telecom services fully severed.
• Residents rushed to stock up on supplies and withdraw cash, fearing a communications blackout and supply blockade like during the 2020-2022 civil war.
• A humanitarian worker warned the internet loss would be devastating for residents relying on mobile banking after months of cash scarcity.
• The UAE condemned Tigray forces' attacks on Ethiopian federal forces, including airport seizures and escalation in Afar and Amhara.
• State Minister Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to the Pretoria peace agreement.