Clashes between Tigrayan forces and their allies and Ethiopia’s federal troops broke out on Wednesday, prompting fears of a return to a full scale civil war and reports of panic buying.
During the two-year conflict which ended in 2022, Tigray was totally cut off from the outside world.
Limited access to cash, food and medicine pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions.
It was one of the most deadly conflicts this century – with estimates that some 600,000 people died as the fighting drove the region to the precipice of famine.
On Sunday, the party in control of Tigray, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) announced an alliance with six other armed groups to oust the government.
On Wednesday, the TPLF seized control of three airports from federal police.
There are unconfirmed reports that TPLF forces have launched attacks in the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara.
Following the seizure of the airports, Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled all flights to Tigray.
Additional reporting by Peter Mwai, BBC Verify
