Ethiopian federal forces and pro-government fighters have reportedly regained control of Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, as fighting between government forces and Tigrayan rebels intensifies.
According to local sources cited by Reuters and AFP, fighters and leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) were seen withdrawing from Mekelle. However, federal forces had reportedly not yet entered the city.
The airport, located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) from central Mekelle, was among three airports seized by rebel forces when the latest fighting began on September 23.
Residents expressed concern about possible looting and a breakdown of law and order in the city as security forces were reportedly absent.
Al Jazeera said it could not independently verify the reports because media access in Ethiopia remains restricted and communications have been disrupted.
The TPLF is leading a seven-party rebel coalition formed last month. The coalition subsequently launched an offensive, capturing three airports in Tigray and fighting government forces along the borders with Amhara and Afar regions.
The Ethiopian government has since launched a counteroffensive, advancing towards Mekelle along several fronts.
The renewed conflict has also raised concerns about a wider regional war. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting the opposition coalition, although Sudan and Egypt have denied the allegations. Eritrea has also rejected accusations of involvement and accused Ethiopia of pursuing hostile policies.
The latest fighting comes four years after the devastating 2020–2022 Tigray war, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Amnesty International has reported drone attacks, forced conscription and attacks on civilian infrastructure during the renewed conflict.
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