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TPLF Seizes Three Airports, Ethiopia Airlines Halts Flights

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 7:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

TPLF Seizes Airports

Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and attacked Afar and Amhara.
The TPLF announced an “Alliance for Survival” with six other armed groups on Sunday.
Ethiopian Airlines halted flights to the three seized airports on September 23 because of the situation.
African Union urged immediate de-escalation and a return to talks under the 2022 Pretoria peace deal.

Summary

HRW Warns Abuse

Human Rights Watch warned that renewed fighting could expose civilians to serious abuses on September 24.
Residents of Mekelle and Adigrat reported food shortages, prices, and scarce, expensive medicines.
ACLED reported head of Tigray Police Force defected to federal government on September 23.
Humanitarian workers began delivering food to families near Abala, Erebti, and Yallo in Afar.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire, hindering aid delivery.

Summary

Massinga Threatens Sanctions

U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga warned the TPLF could face additional sanctions for its large-scale offensive.
Massinga said the TPLF had already been sanctioned by Washington earlier in 2026.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate de-escalation, civilian protection and unhindered humanitarian access.
Guterres supported African Union mediation led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
European Union demanded immediate de-escalation and renewed commitment to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

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TPLF Seizes Airports

Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and attacked Afar and Amhara.
The TPLF announced an “Alliance for Survival” with six other armed groups on Sunday.
Ethiopian Airlines halted flights to the three seized airports on September 23 because of the situation.
African Union urged immediate de-escalation and a return to talks under the 2022 Pretoria peace deal.

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