Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have reportedly expanded their control across the northern Tigray region, reaching the historic city of Aksum, as the conflict intensifies. The Tigray Peace Force (TPF), a pro-government militia, also claimed on Thursday that Eritrean troops have retreated towards the border after sustaining significant casualties.

The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region has seen a significant escalation, with Ethiopian government forces and their allies pushing deeper into territory previously held by Tigrayan rebels. The TPLF has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the federal government since late 2020. The involvement of Eritrean forces has been a point of contention, with Ethiopia accusing its neighbor of supporting rebel groups.

Solomon Hailemariam, spokesperson for the TPF, stated that Eritrean forces suffered considerable losses during recent engagements. However, Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel has denied these claims, labeling them as false. The reported extent of these losses could not be independently verified by news outlets.

The strategic implications of these advances are significant. The entry of Ethiopian forces into Aksum, a city of immense historical and cultural importance, suggests a shift in territorial control. The reported withdrawal of Eritrean troops, if confirmed, could alter the dynamics of the conflict and potentially reduce tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, though the latter has denied any troop movements inside Ethiopia.

Independent conflict monitoring organisation, the Armed Conflict Location Event Data Project (ACLED), documented Ethiopian government forces and TPF fighters entering Aksum. ACLED also reported Eritrean troops withdrawing across the border through Zalambessa, following advances by Ethiopian forces and their allies into several strategic towns. Residents in border towns like Zalambessa have described being caught in the middle of the conflict, experiencing anxiety and lacking essential services like power and water.

Accusations and denials have marked the ongoing diplomatic fallout. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, along with Sudan and Egypt, of backing a rebel alliance fighting the government. Eritrea has refuted these allegations, accusing Ethiopia of threatening its sovereignty and severing diplomatic ties earlier this month over the accusations. Both Sudan and Egypt have also denied involvement.

The TPF's support for the Ethiopian federal government's campaign against the TPLF is a crucial element in the current military operations. Earlier this month, Ethiopian forces recaptured the regional capital, Mekelle, prompting the TPLF to confirm its withdrawal and temporary relocation of its regional administration. Government forces also retook the towns of Adwa and Adigrat without significant resistance.

Reports indicate continued Ethiopian advances in areas like Rama, situated close to the Eritrean border. The United States has expressed concerns over the escalating conflict, with Secretary of State Marco Ru calling for de-escalation. The humanitarian impact of the fighting remains a major concern, with widespread displacement and civilian casualties reported throughout the conflict.