Ethiopian government troops and allied Tigray Peace Force fighters have expanded their presence in northern Tigray, entering the historic city of Aksum as fighting intensifies against rival Tigrayan forces. The allied militia claims Eritrean troops suffered heavy casualties and withdrew toward the border, although Eritrea rejects the allegations. Conflict monitors have documented Eritrean withdrawals and Ethiopian military movements toward the frontier, increasing fears of a direct confrontation between the neighboring countries. The renewed hostilities threaten the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement and could reverse progress toward stabilizing northern Ethiopia. For Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, territorial gains may strengthen its immediate position, but escalation risks widening the conflict, worsening civilian insecurity, and complicating relations with Eritrea.