Daily record · 2 Oct 2026
Ethiopia war, 2 Oct 2026: what happened
9 reports on 2 Oct 2026: 5 independently verified, 4 claimed by a party. 1 drone or air strikes, 4 changes of control.
Changes of control
Drone and air strikes
- 2 Oct 20261
Drone strike · Unknown place
Unnamed sources reported that multiple drones struck Harar Meda Airbase, the Ethiopian Air Force's main hub near Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu), on 2 October, with several explosions and a large fire inside the base; the monitor described the strikes as unconfirmed and, if confirmed, the second reported attack on the base that week.
All reports of the day
- 2 Oct 20269
Statement · Bahir Dar town, Bahir Dar town Admin, Amhara
Satellite imagery shows an estimated four to five aircraft, apparently Ethiopian Air Force Su-27 fighters, at Bahir Dar Airport from 2 October that were absent on 27 September, indicating deployment there since fighting escalated in northern Ethiopia.
Drone strike · Unknown place
Unnamed sources reported that multiple drones struck Harar Meda Airbase, the Ethiopian Air Force's main hub near Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu), on 2 October, with several explosions and a large fire inside the base; the monitor described the strikes as unconfirmed and, if confirmed, the second reported attack on the base that week.
Statement · Arada Sub City, Region 14, Addis Ababa
Flight-tracking data showed the same Vise Air Il-76TD cargo aircraft (reg. 7Q-VAF) flying from Al Ain in the UAE towards Ethiopia a second time on 2 October, likely bound for Bole or Bahir Dar airport according to the monitor.
Control change · Erebti, Kilbati /Zone 2, Afar
ACLED said pro-government forces retook the Afar towns of Abala, Erebti and Megale, and a humanitarian source said the TPLF had been pushed out of Afar.
Control change · Hawelti Sub City, Mekelle, Tigray
The Tigray Peace Force claimed full control of Mekelle's Alula Aba Nega Airport, about 10 km from the city.
Control change · Unknown place
The pro-government Tigray Peace Forces militia said on Facebook it had captured Milazat, about 20km south-east of Mekelle.
Statement · Unknown place
A pro-government militia commander fighting in Tigray told the BBC that Eritrean soldiers had been involved on the front lines; Eritrea denied involvement.
Battle · Hawelti Sub City, Mekelle, Tigray
Residents and a diplomat said ENDF and allied militia forces advanced to within striking distance of Mekelle, about 30 km away.
Attack on civilians · Hawelti Sub City, Mekelle, Tigray
Residents told Ethiopia Insider that extensive looting of government and private institutions occurred in Mekelle from Friday evening onward, worsening after the TPLF-aligned forces that had policed the city since April withdrew on Sunday evening.