By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, 1 October 2026 — More than 720 people have been wounded in renewed fighting across northern Ethiopia since September 22, with hospitals in Tigray struggling to cope with a surge in war-wounded patients, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said.
MSF said health facilities in Korem, Alamata and Shire were facing growing pressure, with medical teams expanding emergency support while suspending some activities due to insecurity.
Hospitals in Korem and Alamata recorded more than 420 war-wounded patients between September 22 and 25, compared with about 180 patients in the preceding 48 hours. In Shire, more than 300 wounded patients had arrived at Suhul Hospital by September 25.
MSF linked the increase to renewed fighting between forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied groups and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF).
“The current situation in northern Ethiopia is very worrying,” MSF said, noting the renewed fighting followed rising tensions, heavy clashes and drone strikes.
Since September 22, MSF has expanded medical operations and continues to support hospitals in Shire, Sheraro and Korem, including maternal and child healthcare services. However, it suspended activities at Alamata Hospital due to the deteriorating security situation. Community outreach services were also suspended, with staff redirected to hospitals receiving large numbers of war-wounded.
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The fighting has displaced civilians across Tigray, Amhara and Afar, with at least 150,000 people displaced, according to reports from conflict-affected areas. MSF said it was monitoring displacement and preparing to respond.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian federal forces and allied armed groups have recaptured Alamata, a major town in southern Tigray located about 120 kilometres south of Mekelle near the border with Amhara, according to reports from conflict-affected areas and pro-government media. The reports could not be independently verified due to limited access. Alamata is an important supply and transport hub and changed hands several times during the 2020–2022 Tigray war.
Elsewhere, Tigrayan forces and fighters from the Afar National Unity Revolutionary Front (ANURF) were reported to have captured several towns in Afar, including Erebti near the Tigray border.
The renewed hostilities have raised concerns over civilian safety and access to healthcare, while communications disruptions and insecurity are making humanitarian access and independent verification difficult.
MSF said it supports health facilities in Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Tigray, Afar, Gambella and Southwest Ethiopia, providing primary, secondary and emergency medical care.
On September 28, six US senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department to engage Ethiopia’s federal government, the TPLF and associated armed groups to halt the fighting and return to mediation.