Around 20 Israelis stranded amid renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray

Israeli media have reported that around 20 Israelis are stranded in northern Ethiopia as fighting intensifies between Ethiopian government forces and Tigray People’s Liberation Front fighters, with flights suspended at several regional airports.

According to the newspaper Israel Hayom, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning for the Tigray region, urging Israelis in the area to avoid unnecessary movement due to the deteriorating security situation.

The report noted that flights to the region have been halted, leaving about 20 Israelis unable to leave. Three others managed to escape the conflict zones, describing major difficulties during their departure, including roadblocks and bandit attacks.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is monitoring the situation of its citizens in areas experiencing heightened security tensions in northern Ethiopia, and is working with the embassy in Addis Ababa and relevant authorities to explore evacuation options.

Northern Ethiopia has seen a sharp escalation in military activity in recent days, with renewed clashes between government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and fighting spreading to the Amhara and Afar regions.

Additionally, seven armed groups have announced the formation of a new alliance against the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.