Ethiopian federal government forces, supported by an allied militia, have entered the strategic town of Adwa without engaging in combat, according to local reports. The development occurred on Sunday, one day after fighters from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew from the northwestern town, which is situated approximately 40 kilometres from the border with Eritrea.
Residents described a tense atmosphere in the town following the arrival of the federal forces. One resident, who identified himself only as Aferwerki, stated that commercial activity has ceased, noting that all local shops remained closed. He further alleged that several government institutions, including the Adwa Hospital, had been subjected to looting.
Another witness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the TPLF's retreat from the area. While acknowledging the deployment of government troops within the town, the resident noted that they had not yet reached the town centre. He described the local situation as precarious, stating that roads remained deserted and that the local population expressed significant fear regarding potential theft and insecurity.
The advancement into Adwa follows the federal military’s recent capture of Adigrat. These developments occur amid a broader shift in the regional conflict. Earlier this month, on October 4, the conflict monitor ACLED reported that Ethiopian drone strikes hit a hotel in Adwa. The strikes resulted in between five and nine injuries, including security personnel who were subsequently hospitalised. ACLED noted that some sources suggested senior TPLF officials, including Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, may have been present at the location, though the agency clarified that these reports remained unverified.
In a related development, Ethiopian Airlines resumed commercial flight services between Addis Ababa and Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, on Sunday. Flights to the city had been suspended since September 23, following the capture of the local airport by a seven-group armed alliance that includes the TPLF. Last week, federal forces gained control of Mekelle after the TPLF announced it had withdrawn from the capital and relocated its administration to an undisclosed location.
At the Mekelle airport, Getachew Reda, a former Tigray leader who now serves as an advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressed supporters alongside Ethiopia's intelligence chief, Redwan Hussein. Reda promised that the government would implement tangible changes for the region, stating, “I would like to assure you on this occasion that we will bring visible change, a change beyond mere hope.”
The current conflict has drawn international attention due to Ethiopia’s accusations against neighbouring nations. The Ethiopian government has alleged that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt have been providing support to the rebel alliance. Both Khartoum and Cairo have formally denied any involvement. Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated, with Eritrea severing ties with Addis Ababa last week following the accusations.
As federal forces continue to consolidate their positions, the regional administration faces the challenge of stabilising towns like Adwa and managing the transition following the TPLF's withdrawal. TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa declined to comment on the recent military shifts.
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