Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern over renewed fighting between the Ethiopian military and forces aligned with the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia.

The organisation said fighting erupted on Tuesday in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions.

It stated that the renewed fighting followed reported clashes and airstrikes in Tigray since August, including in the region’s capital, Mekelle.

According to the deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, Laetitia Bader, the new hostilities in the northern region have raised fears that civilians will face further abuses.

It stated, “The new hostilities in northern Ethiopia raise fears that civilians will face further abuses given the warring parties’ past atrocities and ongoing impunity.

“The parties need to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.  International actors should act immediately to help protect civilians and support robust monitoring of the parties’ conduct.”