Tigray People's Liberation Front

Force in Play

Leading the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival against the federal government

Ethiopian federal forces entered Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital, on October 4 after the rebel alliance withdrew without a fight. Federal troops patrol the city, but government services are still closed and the allied Tigray Peace Force imposed an overnight curfew on October 7.

Updated 16 hours ago

Force in Play

Withdrew from Mekelle; fighting continues from elsewhere in Tigray

Federal forces hold Mekelle after Tigrayan fighters pulled out of the capital. Eritrean troops have now crossed into northern Ethiopia, and Ethiopian warplanes have struck them, raising the risk of a direct clash between the two countries.

Updated 4 days ago

Force in Play

Member of the new alliance; declared a new war with the federal government on September 23

Seven Ethiopian armed groups announced a joint coalition on September 20, linking rebel movements from the country's largest regions under one banner. Three days later, Tigrayan leaders declared a new war with the federal government, and fighting has since spread into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions.

Updated 7 days ago

Force in Play

Fractured between hardline and conciliatory factions; resumed military operations in January 2026

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending a 20-year standoff with Eritrea. Now he's publicly accusing Eritrean troops of massacring Ethiopian civilians during their joint war against Tigray—a war they fought together as allies.

Updated May 26