ENDF National Unity Offensive

After pushing the ENDF out of Tigray in the TDF began its invasion of the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions during August 2021.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-22|title=Ethiopia Tigray crisis: New front opens as aid fears grow|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57926832|access-date=2022-01-07}} The ENDF launched an operation to recapture TDF occupied land which was unsuccessful. TDF forces continued their march down the A2 highway with the goal of capturing Addis Ababa.{{Cite web|title=TDF spokesperson explaining reason for marching towards Addis Ababa|url=https://twitter.com/reda_getachew/status/1461719097541017607?s=20}} TDF forces were able to advance to the town Debre Sina which is located ≈190 km northeast of Addis Ababa. International media began to report that the fall of Addis Ababa was imminent causing many international organizations to begin flying their employees out of the country. France, Germany, and other western nations urged their citizens to flee the country.{{Cite web|title=France, Germany latest countries to urge nationals to leave Ethiopia|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/23/france-germany-latest-countries-to-urge-nationals-leave-ethiopia|access-date=2022-01-10|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}} United States Army General William Zana, commander of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, said the US had forces on standby to secure the American embassy should Addis fall to the TDF.{{Cite news|title=US fears regional impact of Ethiopia conflict|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-59265578|access-date=2022-01-12}} Many in Ethiopia saw these statements as a violation of Ethiopian sovereignty and an attempt to cause panic in the country.{{Cite news|date=2021-11-25|title=Ethiopia asks U.S. to stop spreading false information on war|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-warns-us-against-spreading-false-information-war-2021-11-25/|access-date=2022-01-12}} In response to the statements Ethiopians and other sympathetic Africans around the world organized protests against the US across capitals of Western countries.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-25|title=Ethiopia to US: Stop spreading 'false information' about war|url=https://apnews.com/article/africa-media-united-states-kenya-ethiopia-fd127dbd3e161a42ebe2548e6f655f7f|access-date=2022-01-12|website=AP NEWS|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Liberation|title=Ethiopian and Eritrean communities lead #NoMore global protests vs. U.S. intervention – Liberation News|url=https://www.liberationnews.org/ethiopian-and-eritrean-communities-lead-nomore-global-protests-vs-u-s-intervention/|access-date=2022-01-12|language=en-US}} PM Abiy Ahmed announced he would be heading to the frontline to lead the troops and defeat the TDF and OLA alliance.{{Cite web|last=Mayen|first=David|date=2021-12-14|title=Ethiopia: Abiy Returns to Frontline, Announces More Victories Against TPLF|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202112140053.html|access-date=2022-01-12|website=allAfrica.com|language=en}} With its newly acquired equipment the ENDF and its allies were able to inflict heavy casualties on the TDF and halt its advance.{{Cite web|last=Gatopoulos|first=Alex|title=How armed drones may have helped turn the tide in Ethiopia's war|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/12/10/how-armed-drones-may-have-helped-turn-tide-in-ethiopia-conflict|access-date=2022-01-12|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}} The ENDF then began its "National Unity campaign" to expel the TDF from the Amhara and Afar regions. The Ethiopian government announced the conclusion to offensive on 23 December 2021 after forcing the TDF to retreat back to Tigray.

On 28 November 2021, ENDF and Afar forces recapture Chifra from the TDF.{{Cite web|title=Chifra captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1464974588983529475|access-date=2022-01-12|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 1 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recapture the cities of Gashena, Arbit, Dubko, Molale, Mezezo, Degolo, Were Ilu, Aketsa, and Shewa Robit.{{Cite web|title=Gashena, Arbit, Dubko, Molale, Mezezo, Degolo, Were Ilu, Aketsa, and Shewa Robit captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466084449020526610|access-date=2022-01-12|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recapture the holy city Lalibela.{{Cite web|title=Lalibela captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466086180466966535|access-date=2022-01-12|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} The Ethiopian Air Force strikes the Tekeze Dam electrical substation.{{Cite web|title=Tekeze substation strike|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466099350581522433|access-date=2022-01-12|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recapture Mehal Meda.{{Cite web|title=Mehal Meda captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466119520066539522|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 2 December, TDF armor losses are documented during the ENDF advance.{{Cite web|title=TDF armor loses|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466453798671601667|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF recapture Debre Sina. Large scale damage from TDF looting and sabotage in Debre Sina is reported after its one-week occupation.{{Cite web|title=Debre Sina destruction|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466480549569179650|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} TDF loots a hospital in Amdework, loss of equipment leads to the death of 19 patients.{{Cite web|title=Amdework hospital looted|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466782803727687680|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 3 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Jewaha, Gerbe, Senbete, and Ataye.{{Cite web|title=Jewaha, Gerbe, Senbete, and Ataye captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466787737143554052|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} Within the span of a week of TDF confirmed armor loses include 1 T-72, 3 T-62s, 5 T-55s, and 1 Type 89.{{Cite web|title=TDF armor loses|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466813458444431361|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Karakore, Chefa Robit, and Mehoye.{{Cite web|title=Karakore, Chefa Robit, and Mehoye captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466837746392178699|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recapture Dawunt woreda and Kon.{{Cite web|title=Dawunt woreda and Kon captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1466839685221822469|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 4 December, TDF looting and destruction of Lalibela Airport documented by Ethiopian press.{{Cite web|title=Lalibela Airport destroyed|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1467142605687373824|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recapture Kemise, Majete, Weledi and Rike.{{Cite web|title=Kemise, Majete, Weledi and Rike captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1467184135018057731|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recapture Koke Ager, Germame, Fito, Ajebar, and Tenta.{{Cite web|title=Koke Ager, Germame, Fito, Ajebar, and Tenta captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1467195052866875392|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 6 December, ENDF and Afar forces recaptured Bati.{{Cite web|title=Bati captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1467867255883145224|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and allied forces recaptured the strategic cities of Dessie and Kombolcha.{{Cite web|title=Dessie and Kombolcha captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1467889646877253634|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Twitter|language=en}}

On 8 December, the Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) reported that the Dessie Referral Hospital had been looted and damaged while under TDF occupation.{{Cite web|title=Dessie Referral Hospital looted|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468609732986429443|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and allied forces recapture Wuchale, Selula, Tita, Hayk, and Bistima.{{Cite web|title=Wuchale, Selula, Tita, Hayk, and Bistima captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468631494700769288|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Goshmeda.{{Cite web|title=Goshmeda captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468633414819590146|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Kutaber, Wurgesa, Girana, and Idari.{{Cite web|title=Kutaber, Wurgesa, Girana, and Idari captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468660715695349763|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} The Ethiopian Press Agency reported that Kombolcha General Hospital had been looted and taken out of commission by TDF.{{Cite web|title=Kombolcha General Hospital looted|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468666941594390533|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Kombolcha General Hospital sabotage|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468675544279662597|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Hamsuit.{{Cite web|title=Hamsuit captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468700222964617220|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} The UN announced that the World Food Programme (WFP) would stop distributing food in Dessie and Kombolcha because its warehouses were robbed at gunpoint by TDF.{{Cite web|title=TDF loots WFP warehouses at gunpoint|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468801893862457348|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} Three WFP trucks had been stolen by TDF forces and used for military purposes according to the UN.{{Cite web|title=TDF commandeers 3 WFP trucks|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1468801965358473223|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 9 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Istayish.{{Cite web|title=Istayish captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1469164476889022468|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 10 December, the Human Rights Watch reported that TDF fighters have executed unarmed civilians in multiple towns across the Amhara region.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Ethiopia: Tigray Forces Summarily Execute Civilians|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/12/10/ethiopia-tigray-forces-summarily-execute-civilians|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en}}

On 12 December, TDF captured Lalibela.{{Cite web|title=TDF captures Lalibela|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1470043507549216785|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} TDF captured Gashena.{{Cite web|title=TDF captures Gashena|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1470169854598684674|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 17 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Mersa.{{Cite web|title=Mersa captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1471891555204145154|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} A market in Alamata is hit by an airstrike resulting in civilian casualties.{{Cite web|title=Alamata market hit by an airstrike|url=https://twitter.com/quen10tarantino/status/1471921260309278721|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Twitter|language=en}}

On 18 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Sirinka, Woldiya, Gobiye, Hara Gebeya, Wacho, Kobo Robit, and Kobo.{{Cite web|title=Sirinka, Woldiya, Gobiye, Hara Gebeya, Wacho, Kobo Robit, and Kobo captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1472216036229500929|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Gashena, Hamsuit, Istayish, Ahun Tagegn, Debot, and Sanka.{{Cite web|title=Gashena, Hamsuit, Istayish, Ahun Tagegn, Debot, and Sanka captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1472216047260516356|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}} ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Lalibela, Taja, Dubko, and Kulmensk.{{Cite web|title=Lalibela, Taja, Dubko, and Kulmensk captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1472216057150595077|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 19 December, TDF destroyed the Alweh Bridge between Woldiya and Kobo before retreating towards Tigray.{{Cite web|title=Alweh Bridge destroyed|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1472613986126508032|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 20 December, TDF destroyed second bridge south of initial bridge between Woldiya and Kobo.{{Cite web|title=Second bridge destroyed by TDF|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1473007147852177420|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Twitter|language=en}} TDF destroyed a bridge between Haro and Dire Roka.{{Cite web|title=Bridge between Haro and Dire Roka destroyed|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1473008994830671877|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Satellite imagery of destroyed bridge|url=https://twitter.com/gerjon_/status/1473015393782480902|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Twitter|language=en}} A minibus in Mlazat, Tigray was hit by an ENDF airstrike resulting in civilian casualties.{{Cite web|title=Mlazat minibus strike|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1473043540846514184|access-date=2022-02-15|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 21 December, ENDF and allied forces captured Rare, Waja, and Alamata.{{Cite web|title=Rare, Waja, and Alamata captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1473400788420550664|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 22 December, ENDF and Amhara forces recaptured Sekota and the Wag Hemra Zone.{{Cite web|title=Sekota and Wag Hemra Zone captured|url=https://twitter.com/mapethiopia/status/1473688391288070159|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Ethiopia Map|language=en}}

On 23 December, the Ethiopian government announced the offensive had been successful and had reached a conclusion.

During the occupation of the Afar and Amhara regions the TDF have been reported to have been responsible for mass killings and gang rapes of civilians.{{Cite news|title=In Ethiopia war, new abuse charges put focus on Tigrayan former rulers|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/ethiopia-conflict-tplf/|access-date=2022-02-09}} In the town of Nefas Mewcha alone 74 women had reported that they had been raped by TDF fighters. Amnesty International reported that the looting of hospitals by the TDF had created obstacles in the treatment of the rape victims.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-09|title=Ethiopia: Survivors of TPLF attack in Amhara describe gang rape, looting and physical assaults|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/11/ethiopia-survivors-of-tplf-attack-in-amhara-describe-gang-rape-looting-and-physical-assaults/|access-date=2022-02-10|website=Amnesty International|language=en}} The rape survivors had reported suffering back pain, bloody urine, difficulty walking, anxiety and depression. In the town of Gashena the mayor had reported 53 civilians had been killed in a massacre by the TDF. The Human Rights Watch reported that in the town of Chenna Tigrayan forces summarily executed 26 civilians in 15 separate incidents over the span of five days. According to the Ministry of Justice 540 civilians across Afar and Amhara had been killed by the TDF. In the Afar region Qurans and mosques had been burned by the TDF.{{Citation|title=ጭፍራን ጁንታው አፈራርሷታል መስጊድ ውስጥ ቁርአን አቃጥለዋል አንድም ቤት የለም (mame tube)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjBC56vsggo|language=en|access-date=2022-02-10}}

While Afar and Amhara regions were under TDF occupation the ENDF launched airstrikes in Tigray that resulted in civilian deaths. In Alamata an ENDF airstrike hit a marketplace resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians.{{Cite news|date=2022-01-31|title=Tigray conflict: What do we know about drone strikes in Ethiopia?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/60045176|access-date=2022-02-15}} In Mlazat an ENDF airstrike hit a minibus resulting in multiple civilian deaths.

• 4 November Northern Command attacks
• Battle of Humera
• Asmara rocket attacks
• Mekelle offensive
• Operation Alula
• 2021 Tigray offensive
• TDF–OLA joint offensive

{{reflist}}{{Tigray conflict}}

Category:Battles in 2021

Category:Eritrea–Ethiopia relations

Category:Battles of the Tigray war

Category:History of the Afar Region

Category:History of the Amhara Region

Category:November 2021 in Ethiopia

Category:December 2021 in Ethiopia