Ethiopia’s government forces retake airport from Tigray rebels in Mekelle

Ethiopia's federal military and allied pro-government forces have reportedly regained control of Alula Aba Nega Airport, located roughly 10km from Mekelle's centre, according to multiple unnamed sources and a humanitarian contact citing Reuters. Local journalists and residents told AFP they observed fighters and TPLF leaders withdrawing from the city, though they added that federal troops had not yet been seen inside Mekelle itself. Al Jazeera said it could not independently confirm these reports amid heavy media restrictions and communications blackouts across the country.

The airport was one of three airfields in the Tigray region that rebel forces captured when the renewed fighting began on September 23. The withdrawal from Mekelle follows a rebel offensive later in the month in which a seven-party coalition, led by the TPLF, seized airfields and fought along borders with the Amhara and Afar regions. The federal government has launched a counteroffensive, which the Critical Threats Project described as advancing toward Mekelle on three axes.

Observers and residents have expressed concern about security gaps in the city after the reported departure of fighters, warning of potential looting and lawlessness in the absence of visible government forces. Communications limits and restricted media access have made it difficult for independent outlets to verify battlefield developments or to obtain comments from either the TPLF or the federal government.

The conflict has taken on regional overtones. The Ethiopian government has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing the opposition coalition — allegations denied by Khartoum and Cairo. Eritrea has cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia and denied involvement while accusing Addis Ababa of hostility; Eritrean statements also suggested fears of an Ethiopian bid for Red Sea access. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have reported drone strikes, intensified forced conscription and attacks on civilian infrastructure during the renewed fighting, and the TPLF's leader has framed the campaign as having regional implications.