Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital

Ethiopia's federal military has retaken the main airport in the capital of Tigray, a significant blow to an opposition alliance based in the region, according to three sources. The clash between the rebel alliance led by Tigray’s ruling party and the government intensified since the outbreak of violence last week, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

The federal government in Addis Ababa has severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea, accusing it of backing the rebels. Troops from the Ethiopian National Defence Forces reportedly regained control of Alula Aba Nega Airport in Tigray’s capital, Mekelle, with a Mekelle resident confirming the event and reporting gunfire. Some Tigrayan Defence Force fighters reportedly abandoned their positions and headed home, while looting of government facilities was observed.

The region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), could not be reached for comment. A TPLF source confirmed the city was encircled by government forces and allied militias. The airport, situated approximately 10 km from the city center, was one of three airports seized by opposition forces on September 23, marking a major setback for the opposition alliance.

However, analysts suggest the conflict may not be over, as they recall the 2020 incident when federal forces captured Mekelle, only for the TPLF to reclaim it later.