Drone strike wounds 13 in Tigray capital as fears of renewed war grow

A drone strike on Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, injured at least 13 people, including five children, a hospital official said Thursday. The attack comes amid growing tensions between federal and Tigrayan forces and fears the region could slide back into war.

The drone strike hit Mekelle early Thursday, according to Tigrayan authorities, with residents reporting damage to homes in a residential neighbourhood.

Almaz Wedu, a farmer, described the moment the roof of her home collapsed around her.

"I came suddenly and the roof fell on us while we were right here," she said. "Look at this house, it is completely destroyed. I don't know where it came from or why. I am a farmer, why is this being done to a farmer's home?"

Children and women among injured

At least 13 people were taken to Ayder Referral Hospital following the strike, according to Birhanu Hailemariam, the hospital's emergency ward coordinator.

"Three of them sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing further examinations," he said.

The injured ranged in age from two to 60, with five children and seven women among those receiving treatment.

Memhr Hadush, a resident, said the attack occurred only metres from his home while he was with his family.

"My four children, my wife, my mother-in-law, and I were all injured, and we are now here in the hospital," he said.

Second strike reported near university

TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa said the first drone targeted a residential area in Mekelle. The TPLF leader later reported a second strike near Mekelle University, although no casualty figures were immediately available.

Ethiopia's federal army did not immediately comment on the reported attacks.

An AFP journalist in Mekelle said residents had confirmed the initial strike and the damage it caused.

Tensions rise after years of war

The attacks come as federal and Tigrayan forces have massed near the regional border in recent months, with both sides accusing each other of preparing for renewed conflict.

Tigray was devastated by a two-year war between federal forces and the TPLF that ended with a peace agreement in 2022. The conflict killed an estimated 600,000 people and left the region deeply scarred.

The TPLF says fighting also broke out between federal and Tigrayan forces near the border with Sudan on August 1, although the federal government has not commented.

Analysts warn of tougher response

Regional specialist Kjetil Tronvoll said the strike could signal a tougher approach by the federal government toward the TPLF.

"This is likely an attempt to take out high-level targets of the TPLF," he said, adding that he did not believe the operation was aimed indiscriminately at civilian residences.

He said the attack suggested Addis Ababa was prepared to use "harsher means" against the TPLF as tensions have remained high for months.

Region still struggling to recover

Tigray remains heavily affected by the consequences of the previous conflict. Around one million people are still displaced, while the region faces severe economic difficulties after federal subsidies were cut.

The TPLF remains the dominant political and military force in Tigray despite being barred from national political activity by the federal government.

The latest drone strike and reports of renewed clashes have raised fresh concerns that a region still recovering from a devastating war could once again be drawn into conflict.