Ethiopia Insight posted on 17 March 2021 a commentary titled "The Ethiopian War Plan that Went Astray" by Fassil Hailu, a pen name for an Ethiopia Insight columnist.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed offered four objectives for the operation in Tigray: to disarm the TPLF, bring its leaders to justice, appoint a new administration for Tigray Region, and enhance law and order. The author argues that only the appointment of a new administration for Tigray Region has been partially accomplished and large chunks of Tigray are now under the control of Amhara Region and Eritrea.