A convoy taking humanitarian aid into Ethiopia’s war-hit Tigray region has come under attack – dealing a further setback for efforts to reach hundreds of thousands of people at risk of famine.

After more than eight months of fighting there are signs that the conflict is expanding to other areas of the country – including Afar – which has become a critical link for food aid.

The UN World Food Programme says a 10-vehicle convoy was attacked in the Afar region that borders Tigray.

It’s not yet clear who did it but it’s yet another indication that this war is far from over – in fact it seems to be spreading.

The Afar region was the scene of fighting between Tigrayan rebels and a pro-government militia over the weekend.

It is a critical access route for humanitarian aid because other roads into Tigray are too dangerous.

Meanwhile officials in half of the country’s regions have vowed to send troops to back up the Ethiopian government forces.