TPLF Leader Reports New Fighting as Ethiopia, Egypt, and Eritrea Expel Diplomats

TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael stated that a new phase of fighting has commenced in various locations across northern Ethiopia. While acknowledging that federal forces have taken control of certain areas in Tigray, he characterized these developments as strategic retreats rather than defeats, asserting that Tigray forces continue to engage from self-chosen positions. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Gebrehigzihaabher Bayyana of the breakaway Tigray Peace Force claimed that their forces alongside the Ethiopian national defense forces have taken control of multiple areas and plan to enter central Tigray soon. On the diplomatic front, tensions have escalated sharply as Ethiopia ordered an Egyptian diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours for violating diplomatic protocols, prompting Cairo to respond by expelling an Ethiopian diplomat. Furthermore, Ethiopia announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave Addis Ababa within 48 hours over alleged security threats, a move Eritrea described as regrettable hostile action. BBC noted it could not independently verify the operational claims made by the respective parties.