Fighting breaks out in Tigray

Clashes between Tigrayan forces and Ethiopia's federal troops broke out on Wednesday, prompting fears of a return to full scale civil war and reports of panic buying.

State telecom cut completely

Internet and call services have been disrupted in Tigray following the outbreak of fighting. Services from state-owned Ethio Telecom have been completely cut, though smaller private firm Safaricom remains operational.

Blackout ordered to stop drones

Sources told Reuters that the Tigray People's Liberation Front ordered the communications blackout, with one suggesting it was to disrupt government drones. The TPLF has not commented.

Humanitarian worker describes impact

Duke Burbridge, an American humanitarian worker in Mekelle, told the BBC that telecommunications got knocked out. He said the lack of internet would be devastating because people rely on banking and mobile money applications.

“Last night telecommunications got knocked out”

Cash already scarce in the city

A Mekelle resident told the BBC there is almost no cash in the city. Burbridge said there had been a scarcity of cash in Tigray for the past eight months, with people unable to access ATMs.

“there is almost no cash”

TPLF seizes airports, airlines cancel flights

On Wednesday, forces of the Tigray People's Liberation Front seized control of three airports from federal police. Following the seizure, Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled all flights to Tigray.