The TPLF and a new joint coalition of Ethiopian armed groups have formally announced the start of fighting with the federal government, prompting urgent statements from the African Union, the US embassy in Addis Ababa and IGAD.

The central military command of the Tigray forces said that, after a sustained campaign of political, socio-economic and diplomatic pressure by the Prosperity Party, a full offensive was launched from several directions overnight into Wednesday 23 September. It said Tigray forces are conducting heavy defensive operations against an assault supported by infantry, mechanised units, drones and air power.

The recently formed Ethiopian People's Forces for Existence coalition said the federal government had opened a wide offensive by air and land and that it had mounted a counter-offensive, claiming to hold positions in North Wollo, Wag Hemra and the northern part of the Afar region.

The African Union Commission expressed deep concern at the military activity in northern Ethiopia and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and halt the fighting immediately. Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the emerging political and military alliances could return the country to war and undo the peace achieved under the Pretoria agreement.

He said the takeover of the civilian airports at Mekelle, Axum and Shire by Tigray forces runs counter to the obligations set out in Pretoria. Flights to those cities have been fully suspended since 23 September, and Lalibela airport has also been closed.

The TPLF, in a statement on Thursday 24 September, criticised the commission, arguing that the federal government has failed to implement the Pretoria agreement in full and that the AU has overlooked the fact that areas of western and north-western Tigray remain outside the regional administration's control.

The United States spoke through its embassy in Addis Ababa. Ambassador Ervin Massinga condemned the offensive, saying Washington regards the move as unwinnable and of no benefit to the population. He said he was deeply disappointed that the TPLF leadership had set aside the negotiating table offered by the AU and its Horn of Africa envoy Olusegun Obasanjo, and noted that the US retains the tools and capacity to impose further sanctions.

IGAD also voiced deep concern, calling on the parties to cease hostilities immediately and return to direct talks. It described the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Pretoria on 2 November 2022 as the principal framework for resolving outstanding issues, and urged neighbouring states to refrain from any interference that could worsen the situation.