Tigray Peace Force Commander Claims Control of Most of Raya, Says ‘We Might Soon Control All of Tigray,’ Pledges ‘No Revenge’ and Urges Armed Personnel and Officials Not to Flee to Eritrea

October 1, 2026

Brigadier General Gebreegziabher Beyene, nom de guerre Wedi Antiru, commander of the Tigray Peace Forces (TPF), which is fighting in Tigray alongside the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), said Thursday that his forces control most of Raya and parts of Tembien and Enderta, and claimed they would soon control all of Tigray.

The video statement is his first public message since the latest escalation began on September 23.

Addressing members of the Tigray army, militia and police, Gebreegziabher said the TPF does not consider them enemies and urged them not to regard themselves as such.

He called on police and armed personnel to remain in their local areas and safeguard community security. Tigray army members leaving their units, he said, should join local militia or police to protect their communities, or join the TPF, while avoiding being forced back into the Tigray army.

He also urged departing fighters to keep their weapons temporarily rather than abandon them, saying the arms belong to Tigray and should eventually be handed over through an organized process.

Turning to Tigray’s political and military authorities, Gebreegziabher declared them “defeated” and urged them not to flee to Eritrea. He warned that those crossing the Mereb River into Eritrea might not return and said officials following senior leaders there could eventually become subject to negotiations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

A major theme of his statement was “no revenge.”

Gebreegziabher said his forces will not retaliate against individuals associated with the current authorities. He called for homes, businesses, government offices and other institutions to be protected and kept intact.

“There will be no revenge against anyone,” he said in substance, adding that even people accused of crimes will be dealt with through the rule of law, not retaliation.

He also expressed confidence that the TPF’s advance would continue, saying his forces could “control all of Tigray soon.”

The territorial claims, including control of most of Raya and parts of Tembien and Enderta, have not been independently verified. Fighting remains fluid across several fronts.