Tigray fighters make inroads into Western Tigray

Tigray forces have managed to enter western Tigray. Western Tigray consisting of Himora, Welkait, Tsegede, etc has been a major disputed territory between Tigray and Amhara regions for years.

Before the start of Tigray conflict in November 2020, the area was part of Tigray. After fighting broke out in Tigray, Amhara forces, Ethiopian Federal Troops, and Eritrean soldiers took control of the area. Since then TDF has been trying to take back western Tigray.

Last month Tigray forces, after suffering military setbacks in Amhara and Afar regions, were forced to withdraw from the 2 regions. It was being expected that Tigray forces would move towards western part of Tigray to open a corridor with Sudan.

For the past few days, heavy fighting is going on between TDF & Ethiopian Federal forces supported by Amhara regional forces in part of western Tigray.

Fresh reports indicate that Tigray forces have managed to penetrate Welkait in western Tigray. Yesterday a Tigray soldier shared his picture from Waldiba monastery which is on Welkait-Tselemti border. The picture proves that Tigray forces have managed to go pash the monastery towards Adi Ramets which is Welkait’s main town.

Tigray forces want to take back Western Tigray due to its strategic significance. This part of Tigray shares a border with Sudan. While Tigray is still under siege, it wants to break the siege by securing a land link with Sudan.

On the other hand, Amhara regional government claims that Himora, Welkait, Tsegege, etc are part of Amhara, and Tigray People’s Liberation Front annexed them by force while TPLF was ruling Ethiopia.