Ethiopia's federal military has recaptured the main airport in the capital of the northern Tigray region, sources confirmed on Saturday. The airport, located in Mekelle, was seized by opposition forces at the start of the fighting on September 23. The recapture of Alula Aba Nega Airport is a significant development in the conflict between the federal government and the rebel alliance led by Tigray's ruling party.
Clashes between the rebel alliance and government forces broke out in northern Ethiopia last week, marking the most serious escalation of violence since a 2020-2022 civil war. The fighting has raised concerns of a wider regional conflict, potentially drawing in neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf. The federal government in Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the rebel alliance, which these countries deny.
According to sources, troops from the Ethiopian National Defence Forces regained control of the airport in Mekelle. A humanitarian source and a Mekelle resident confirmed the taking of the airport by government forces. The resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons, added that they could hear gunfire outside the city centre and had seen some Tigrayan Defence Force fighters abandoning their posts.
The recapture of Mekelle's airport would be a major setback for the opposition alliance, although analysts say it would be unlikely to end the conflict. In 2020, federal forces captured Mekelle within the first month of the two-year war before the TPLF reclaimed it seven months later. The city is currently encircled by government troops and allied militias, a source close to the TPLF said.
The conflict has led to a significant deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and its neighbors. The federal government severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea this week, accusing it of supporting the rebel alliance. Eritrea, along with Sudan and Egypt, has denied these allegations. The situation remains volatile, with concerns of an escalation into a wider regional conflict.
The TPLF, the region's ruling party, could not be immediately reached for comment. However, a source close to the party confirmed that the city was encircled by government troops and allied militias. The taking of Mekelle by government forces would be a significant development in the conflict, but it is unclear what the long-term implications will be.
The conflict in northern Ethiopia has significant implications for regional stability. The recapture of the airport in Mekelle is a major setback for the opposition alliance, but it is unclear what the future holds for the region. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing clashes and concerns of an escalation into a wider regional conflict.
Key points
- Ethiopia's federal military recaptures main airport in Tigray's capital Mekelle.
- Clashes between rebel alliance and government forces broke out in northern Ethiopia last week.
- The conflict has raised concerns of a wider regional conflict, potentially drawing in neighboring countries.
