As fighting continues to intensify in the Tigray region and surrounding areas, the state-owned Ethio Telecom has completely cut off mobile and internet services in Tigray since yesterday, according to witnesses.

While Ethio Telecom’s services have been completely disrupted, Safaricom Ethiopia, the country’s first private mobile network operator, is still providing mobile services, according to sources. Reuters reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter, including a diplomatic source, that the TPLF had ordered private operator Safaricom and state-owned Ethio Telecom to cut off access to phone and internet networks in the region.

According to Reuters, the TPLF’s restrictions on mobile communications may have been part of a tactic to neutralise government forces’ advantage in using battlefield drones by preventing them from accessing the mobile network.

The disruption of mobile and internet access has limited local residents’ ability to obtain information about the conflict and prevented families from exchanging news with loved ones, while also affecting their social and economic activities. TPLF forces seized control of local airports, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to several northern cities, as the rebel group launched attacks into neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.The TPLF and the federal government accuse each other of violating the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, and launched attacks into neighbouring states this week.

Heavy fighting broke out in North Wollo Zone of the Amhara region on Thursday, including in areas around the historic town of Lalibela. Tigrayan forces and their allies reportedly reached Sekota and Asketema, about 80 kilometers from Lalibela. It was not immediately clear whether they had managed to take control of the area. In a statement, the federal army said it had repelled attacks by Tigrayan forces and their allies in parts of northern Ethiopia, inflicting heavy casualties and seizing weapons.