GENEVA — UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, calling for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities in northern Ethiopia. The warning comes amid reports of intensifying combat near the border between the Amhara and Tigray regions, specifically in the Tselemti and Laelay Tselemti areas. According to the UN, the clashes have involved the use of drones, heavy artillery, and other powerful weaponry by both the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and regional security forces. Türk expressed deep concern that the 'highly volatile' situation could lead to further human rights abuses and worsen the humanitarian conditions for millions of civilians. The UN office also highlighted reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions occurring in the wake of the renewed fighting, urging all parties to prioritize political dialogue over armed violence to prevent the region from sliding back into a catastrophic conflict similar to the 2020-2022 civil war.