The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) launched an offensive aimed at seizing the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) controlled regional capital of Mekelle starting on 17 November 2020.

The 21st Division, a well trained element of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), was marching across Wajirat with the aim of capturing Tigray’s capital city, Mekelle.

After fierce fighting for the town, the TDF forces were worn down by persistent air strikes and the introduction of drone attacks, which Tigray fighters struggled to counter.

[7] After the ENDF and its allies took over the nearby towns of Hiwane and Adi Gudem, the TDF chain of command collapsed as its forces fell into disarray.

Rumors were rife among the TDF ranks that top military commanders were secretly colluding with the Ethiopian government and most fighters lost hope of being able to hold Mekelle.

[11][16][17] Fighting between Tigray and Eritrea reportedly took place in Adi Quala, Zalembesa, Taruna, Ali Tina, Wadqomdi, and Badme.

[23] Military spokesperson of Ethiopia, Colonel Dejene Tsegaye, announced that Mekelle will be encircled and shelled, telling Tigray civilians to flee the city because Ethiopian forces would show no mercy.

[6] Doctors in Mekelle sent text messages on the condition of anonymity to avoid reprisals from the government by using a rare Internet connection in the city.

[14] The hospital staff showed documents to prove their employment and denied any ties to the TPLF, while providing certain pictures of their patients (including infants) having many shrapnel wounds.

[29] On 30 November, Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed told the parliament that federal soldiers have not killed a single civilian during the month-long conflict in the Tigray region, and stated that his army will not destroy Mekelle.

"[14] As of 3 December, electricity had been cut off in the city, which emboldened armed troops (possibly Amhara militiamen) to loot stores at night, forcing many to close.