Ethiopian forces reported to have retaken Tigray airport

Ethiopian government forces have reportedly advanced into Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, after renewed fighting with rebel groups. Several news agencies, citing anonymous government sources, reported that federal forces controlled Alula Aba Nega Airport. An Ethiopian general told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the military was in full control of the airport.

AFP, citing a humanitarian source, reported that rebel groups were leaving the city as government troops moved in. However, neither side had issued an official statement confirming who controlled Mekelle. Communication blackouts and restricted media access have made the situation difficult to verify.

The fighting is described as the most serious outbreak of violence in Tigray since the civil war ended in 2022. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front had seized the airport on September 23 and launched attacks on government positions in Afar and Amhara. Its forces initially made gains before being pushed back, according to the supplied material.

The TPLF recently aligned with other armed opposition groups in northern Ethiopia. Its leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, has promised to continue guerrilla attacks against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. The renewed violence has raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

Ethiopia and Eritrea recently cut diplomatic ties, while the African Union has urged restraint amid tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.