Conversely, in western Tigray, Amhara paramilitaries known as the Tekeze Guard serve as auxiliaries to federal forces. Addis Ababa has in effect normalised the new status quo, entrenching the territorial and demographic changes created by the war. To garner domestic support, it framed the dispute as a confrontation with Addis Ababa – the popular villain. If conflict is to come with Addis Ababa, an alliance with Asmara enables the TPLF to escape the encirclement it fears. Getting to Assab, which borders the Afar region, would involve navigating rugged terrain and the Eritrean military is well dug in.

Source: Ethiopian News February 24, 2026 09:59 UTC