Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital of Mekelle as pro-government forces advance

The pro-government Tigray Peace Forces militia has claimed to have regained control of the main airport in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, an opposition stronghold. In a statement posted on X late Friday, the militia announced that they have "taken full control of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport" and are now "clearing the city of Mekelle."

However, Reuters was unable to verify this claim at the time of reporting. The Prime Minister's Office did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment. The recapture of Mekelle by pro-government forces is seen as a significant blow to the opposition alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which initiated a major offensive against the Ethiopian military last week.

A spokesperson for the TPLF was not available for immediate comment. Ethiopian federal forces, along with allied fighters, have launched a rapid counterattack into Tigray. Military analysts warn that the recent fighting, the worst since a civil war that ended in 2022, could potentially escalate into a broader regional conflict.