Ethiopian federal troops and their allies have entered the Tigrayan city of Shire – a major gain since fighting resumed in August shattering a five-month truce.
Tigrayan forces described the entry into the city by government forces as “temporary” and have vowed to continue fighting.
Shire is one of the largest urban centres in Tigray with an estimated population of around 100,000.
It’s also the administrative centre for the north-west of Tigray and one of four cities in the region with an airport.
After war broke out in November 2020, it has been hosting tens of thousands of displaced people who had fled other parts of western Tigray. Many have been sheltered in makeshift camps in schools and university campuses.
Within less than 100 km (62 miles) from Shire are two other major cities – the historic Axum and Adwa.
Emboldened by its gains, the federal government could head for Axum and Adwa, which would then give them access to the main highway leading to Mekelle, Tigray’s regional capital.
Despite calls for a cessation of hostilities by the African Union – something welcomed by the Tigrayan forces – the federal government has said it will aim to seize airports and other “federal facilities” in Tigray.
This indicates a growing confidence after nearly two months of intense fighting and also signals that the violence could go on.
In August, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed alleged that planes carrying weapons were landing at night in Shire – presumably to support Tigrayan forces. Mr Abiy did not specify where the flights were coming from.
In a statement on Monday the government’s communication office also accused Tigrayan forces of colluding with unnamed “hostile” foreign actors in violating Ethiopia’s airspace as a justification for the decision to control airports.
