Ethiopia warns of ‘destruction’ as Tigray rebels launch offensive

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-24 • Permanent link

Fears are growing in the Horn of Africa as the Tigray rebels have launched a major offensive against Ethiopian government forces. The rebels, who have been waging a guerrilla war against the Ethiopian military since 2020, have made significant gains in the past week, capturing key towns and cities in the Tigray region. The Ethiopian government has warned of "destruction" if the rebels continue to advance, and the international community is on high alert, with the United Nations and human rights organizations calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The conflict has sent shockwaves through the global economy, with markets reacting nervously to the news. The Ethiopian stock exchange has plummeted, with shares in state-owned companies falling by as much as 20% in a single day. Investors are also worried about the potential disruption to global food supplies, with Ethiopia being a major producer of grains and other agricultural products. The United States and European Union have also issued statements condemning the violence and calling for a peaceful resolution.

The Tigray conflict is the latest in a long series of regional conflicts in the Horn of Africa, where ethnic and ideological tensions have simmered for decades. The Ethiopian government has long been dominated by the Amhara ethnic group, while the Tigray region is home to the Tigray people, who have long felt marginalized and excluded from power. The conflict is also seen as a proxy war between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, which has been accused of supporting the Tigray rebels.

The international community is watching the situation closely, with several countries sending diplomats to the region to try to broker a peace deal. The United States, in particular, has a significant interest in the region, with Ethiopia being a key partner in the fight against terrorism. The European Union has also issued a statement calling for a peaceful resolution, and several human rights organizations are working to provide aid to those affected by the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the international community can bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.