Footage from June 2021, showing machine gunners with the Tigray Defense Force (TDF) and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) support an attack against Ethiopian and Eritrean government forces. Operation Alula ultimately led to the liberation of the regional capital, Mekelle. The city’s liberation and subsequent TDF operations in neighboring Amhara and Afar regions eventually encouraged the government to resume negotiations, and though fighting continued sporadically, the Ethiopian Government and TDF leadership agreed to a truce in November 2022. Though the wounds from this conflict have yet to heal, late last year the government found itself fighting rebels in the Amhara region.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.