[7] Kombolcha was described as a key warring location[8][9] and is found on the A2 highway leading into Addis Ababa, where the Tigrayan forces were advancing to the capital.

[13][14] As the war prolonged, the Tigrayan rebels retook most of Tigray and invaded the Amhara and the Afar regions in July 2021, reportedly massacring civilians and causing severe destructions.

[22] Tigray forces reportedly looted and ransacked foreign aid essentials, and private and public properties, including the WFP food supplies for malnourished children in Kombolcha.

[1] Kombolcha and Dessie were already the refugee destinations for millions of Amhara IDPs who fled North Wollo from TPLF attackers.

[28][29] Civic groups expressed concern on the lack of support from government bodies— stated that the IDPs had not been given attention in both Dessie and Kombolcha.

[31] The UN and some foreign diplomats urged citizens and families to leave Ethiopia with the state of emergency following occupation of Kombolcha and the killing of the 100 Amhara youths.