[7][8][9] The offensive was launched on 11 June 2021 and recaptured vast swaths of territory across central and eastern Tigray, including the regional capital of Mekelle.

Over three days of intense fighting ensured, where the Ethiopian units managed to initially repel the attacks and advance towards Yechila.

The Ethiopian forces soon began to disintegrate and retreat in disarray back to Mekelle, a Tigrayan detachment was sent to block the A2 highway leading south of Mekelle and captured Wukro, which left a brigade sized Ethiopian force trapped in Negash.

On June 28, Tigrayan fighters captured the regional capital Mekelle after the remnants of the Ethiopian army withdrew, the next day Abiy Ahmed declared a "unilateral ceasefire".

Some Ethiopian units attempted to retreat into the Afar Region, Tigrayan troops caught up with them at Amentila near Abala, inflicting further losses.