By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — Concerns are growing among regional observers that a new, multi-front conflict could erupt in northern Ethiopia involving Ethiopia, Eritrea, and armed groups including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Fano, according to local reports and security analysis. Military movements and preparations in several areas have heightened fears that fighting could spread in multiple directions at once, potentially destabilizing a region that only recently emerged from a devastating war.
Officials and analysts say Ethiopian forces have recently deployed troops to several strategic locations, with some areas reportedly hosting drone facilities and surveillance operations. These developments suggest preparations for possible escalation, although no large-scale clashes have been confirmed so far. One of the areas seen as a potential flashpoint is the Afar Region, a vast and relatively flat territory that military observers say could favor Ethiopia’s air capabilities. The region also provides strategic access toward the Red Sea port city of Assab and the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle, both of which are considered important in any large-scale confrontation.
Other areas in the mountainous zones near Sakota are also being closely watched, where fighters linked to the Amhara militia could gain a tactical advantage due to the terrain. Analysts say that if supported by other armed actors, these forces could potentially cut through parts of the Amhara Region, a politically significant area in northern Ethiopia. Tensions are also being monitored around western districts near the border with Sudan, where Tigrayan forces are reported to have a presence while Eritrean troops could also be positioned nearby, creating a complex and fragile security situation.
In addition, the corridor around Raya Alamata is viewed as another sensitive area where opposing forces are stationed close to each other, increasing the risk of sudden clashes. Observers also point to developments in Shewa, where forces from the Oromia Region and the Ethiopian military could coordinate movements that might affect northern territories, including parts of Amhara.
Analysts warn that if conflict breaks out across several fronts, it could have major consequences for northern Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa. Such a war could disrupt trade routes, worsen humanitarian conditions and slow economic recovery in areas already affected by years of conflict. Some observers believe Ethiopia may hold certain strategic advantages in places like Afar due to geography and military positioning, but they caution that a multi-directional war would likely be prolonged and costly for all sides involved. Regional diplomats and international observers are closely monitoring the situation and urging restraint to prevent another large-scale conflict in the region.
