In brief
In Alamata, a northern Tigray town, government troops overran the area, prompting 52 civilian deaths and widespread artillery damage. Tanks and armoured vehicles shuttled through streets while reserves moved toward Mekelle. The violence spilled into the Amhara region, trapping tourists in Lalibela and shattering banking and internet services across Tigray. With communications cut, MSF treated over 700 wounded, and the Tigray Broadcasting Service now transmits messages via satellite to isolated families. The humanitarian situation worsens as infrastructure shuts down and civilians flee for safety.
At least 52 civilians were killed over three days of heavy clashes in Alamata, a town in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, according to hospital sources told the BBC.
The fighting, which started after months of tension between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, saw government troops seize the town and plan to advance toward Mekelle.
Tanks and armoured vehicles moved through Alamata’s streets, while artillery fire hit residential areas, killing children, mothers and cattle herders.
Meanwhile, the conflict spilled over into the neighbouring Amhara region, trapping tourists in Lalibela and disrupting banking, internet and aviation services across Tigray.
With communications cut, the Tigray Broadcasting Service is using satellite TV to relay messages to families, but the humanitarian crisis deepens as 700 injured are treated in local hospitals.
