300 militants of the illegal TPLF group surrender to ENDF, hand over more than 280 weapons

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (FMC) — Nearly 300 militants of the illegal TPLF have surrendered to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) Northwestern Command in the Tekeze area, handing over more than 280 individual and group weapons, large quantities of ammunition, battlefield optical equipment and various documents.

The combatants surrendered in the Tekeze direction of the western front, on both sides of the Tekeze Bridge, ENDF online media team told Fana Media Corporation.

The militants said they chose not to continue fighting for the banned TPLF in opposition to its preparations for war, and surrendered after establishing contact with the ENDF in the area, holding discussions and arranging a route for their surrender.

They said they had recognized that the alliance the defunct TPLF had forged with Shabia under what they described as the “Tsimbedo” approach was harmful to the people of Tigray.

They said Shabia had acted as an enemy of the Ethiopian people while inflicting suffering on the people of Tigray.

The surrendered fighters said they believe the questions of the people of Tigray can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than through armed conflict.

The Northwestern Command said the militants brought with them more than 280 individual and group weapons, various types of ammunition, battlefield binoculars and other military documents.

Among those who surrendered are commanders and leaders at different levels, including a division commander as well as battalion and company-level leaders, the command said.

The combatants said they rejected efforts by the illegal TPLF leadership to mobilize young people from Tigray for war in an attempt to protect their own interests and evade accountability.

They said the differences facing the people can be resolved through dialogue rather than according to the wishes of a few leaders of the banned TPLF.

The surrendered militants further said the defunct TPLF has shown no willingness to break away from the cycle of war and is continuing an approach that seeks to plunge the people of Tigray into deeper hardship.

They said the group has rejected peaceful alternatives presented to it and lost acceptance among the people of Tigray.

The fighters also said many young people in Tigray are currently waiting for an opportunity to surrender after rejecting the rule of the illegal TPLF and choosing peace.

They said the banned TPLF has been forcing young people into preparations for war in an attempt to separate the people of Tigray from the rest of the Ethiopian people and deny them peace.

According to the surrendered combatants, young people who were forced into the fighting are increasingly recognizing the situation and are ready to surrender when circumstances allow.

The latest surrender involves nearly 300 militants, including commanders at several levels, and the handover of more than 280 weapons together with ammunition, battlefield equipment and documents to the ENDF Northwestern Command in the Tekeze area.