The United States government has warned foreigners, including Americans and Kenyans, not to travel to Ethiopia's Tigray and Afar regions amid escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

This follows a renewed power struggle between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) for control of the region.

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a security alert on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, advising its citizens and other foreigners to avoid the two regions amid a rapidly changing security situation.

The warning came moments after reports emerged that Tigray Defence Forces had taken control of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire, disrupting flights in Ethiopia.

📌 What You Need to Know

"Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to and from the three airports. The Embassy has no information on when flights will resume," the U.S. Embassy announced.

In a statement, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga criticised the Tigray People’s Liberation Front leadership , expressing disappointment over the latest escalation.

"I am disappointed to see the leadership of the TPLF, which the United States sanctioned earlier this year, make the poor decision to launch a large-scale offensive today," Massinga said.

According to the U.S. ambassador, rejecting dialogue supported by the African Union and instead resorting to further fighting would not benefit the people of Ethiopia.

"Rejecting dialogue sponsored by the AU under President Obasanjo and engaging in an unwinnable fight does nothing for the people," Massinga stated.

He also warned other armed groups against joining the conflict while signalling that Washington could impose further sanctions on individuals involved in the escalation.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke