Ethiopia's military advances near Tigray capital, raising conflict fears

Eritrea: Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa that borders Tigray to the north. It has severed all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia following accusations of belligerence and prior joint involvement in the 2020-2022 conflict against the TPLF. Ethiopia: Ethiopia is a federal republic in the Horn of Africa led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Its government has launched military operations into the Tigray region against a rebel alliance and closed its embassy in Eritrea while expelling diplomats in response to alleged hostile acts. African Union: The African Union is a continental organization representing African states and mediating regional disputes. It has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint amid the escalating violence and diplomatic breakdowns. Debretsion Gebremichael: Debretsion Gebremichael is the chairperson of the Tigray People's Liberation Front. He has acknowledged federal occupation of parts of Tigray and stated that his forces will counterattack to turn the region into a graveyard for opposing forces. Tigray People's Liberation Front: The Tigray People's Liberation Front is the ruling party of Ethiopia's Tigray region and leads a rebel alliance seeking to challenge the federal government. Its forces have faced rapid advances by pro-government militias near Mekelle while its leaders have vowed counterattacks. Diplomacy: Ethiopia and Eritrea restored ties in 2018 after their 1998-2000 border war but have now cut all diplomatic relations over mutual accusations of hostility. Mediation: The African Union Commission has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to show maximum restraint to prevent wider conflict in the fragile Horn of Africa region. Regional Security: Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa, potentially indicating the first drone strikes by anti-government forces on the capital far from the northern front lines.