At least 52 civilians have been killed in three days of intense fighting around Alamata in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, as renewed clashes raise concerns over a return to wider conflict.

A doctor at Alamata General Hospital told the BBC that at least 52 civilians had been killed during the fighting. More than 700 wounded people have also been admitted to hospitals supported by Médecins Sans Frontières across Tigray.

Ethiopian Forces Regain Control of Alamata

Government forces appear to have regained control of Alamata, a strategically important town about 120 kilometers south of Tigray’s capital, Mekelle.

Verified footage showed soldiers and military vehicles in the town, while reports indicate federal forces may be preparing to advance north towards Mekelle.

The latest fighting erupted last week following months of mounting tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Both sides have accused each other of violating the 2022 peace agreement that ended a two-year war in northern Ethiopia.

Fighting Spreads Beyond Tigray

The violence has also spread into neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, disrupting transport and other essential services.

Dozens of tourists were left stranded in Lalibela after its airport was closed amid the fighting. Communications and banking services have also been disrupted across parts of Tigray.

The renewed clashes have raised concerns that the conflict could expand further and potentially draw in neighboring Eritrea.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups involved in the tensions, an allegation the Eritrean government has denied.