Story perspectives

TPLF Seizes Tigray Airports, Shuts Ethiopia Telecom Networks

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Airlines suspend flights

On September 23, 2026, Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces seized airports in Tigray and attacked federal positions in Afar and Amhara.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front announced a coalition with six opposition groups to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
President Taye Atske Selassie told the UN General Assembly Ethiopia showed immense restraint despite alleged external interference.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire, Axum and Lalibela after the airports were seized.

Right

Intensified forced recruitment

On September 23 2026, Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces seized three airports in Tigray and attacked federal positions in Afar and Amhara.
Local residents reported the TPLF intensified forced recruitment, forcing many families to hide at home.
Shoppers rushed to stores, withdrew cash and emptied shelves, while NetBlocks reported an internet blackout.
Sources said TPLF ordered Ethio Telecom, Safaricom to shut networks, ENDF reporting 436 troops killed.

Blindspot

Four Reuters sources reported that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front ordered Ethio Telecom and Safaricom to shut down networks, saying the move was intended to limit the use of drones.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Right-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

On 6 May 1998 Eritrean forces entered Badme, leading Ethiopia to declare total war on 13 May and sparking a two-year border conflict that killed roughly 70,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The war’s pattern of airport seizures and communications blackouts reappeared when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized Mekelle, Shire and Axum airports and cut Ethio Telecom and Safaricom on 23 September 2026, threatening regional stability.

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Airlines suspend flights

On September 23, 2026, Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces seized airports in Tigray and attacked federal positions in Afar and Amhara.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front announced a coalition with six opposition groups to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
President Taye Atske Selassie told the UN General Assembly Ethiopia showed immense restraint despite alleged external interference.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire, Axum and Lalibela after the airports were seized.

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