Ethiopian National Defense Force

Force in Play

Holds Mekelle, Adigrat, Shire and Adwa; Ethiopia has acquired Russian fighter jets and air defence systems, the BBC reported on October 29

Federal forces hold Mekelle, Adigrat, Shire and Adwa, and a caretaker administration with a six-month mandate is now running Tigray. On October 23 its political mobilization chief told Tigrayan fighters to hand over their weapons; a TPLF commander had urged more attacks hours earlier.

Updated Oct 29

Force in Play

As of October 2026: Clashing with Tigray Defense Forces and Fano along the Kobo-Tumuga front

Seven Ethiopian armed groups announced a joint coalition on September 20, linking rebel movements from the country's largest regions under one banner. Three days later, Tigrayan leaders declared a new war with the federal government, and fighting has since spread into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions.

Updated Oct 5