Tigray rebels are abandoning their regional capital, Mekelle, in northern Ethiopia, as pro-government forces advance on the city. A local journalist and residents told AFP that the rebels and their leaders are leaving the city. Federal forces had not yet entered Mekelle but had seized the city's airport on Friday. The rapid progression of government forces has raised concerns among residents about potential looting and lawlessness.
The conflict began on September 23, when the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched attacks into neighboring states, sparking fears of a return to the devastating 2020-2022 civil war. However, federal forces and pro-government militias have pushed the rebels back and are now heading north towards Mekelle. The advances have been significant, with the rebels being entirely pushed out of Afar state, according to a humanitarian source.
The situation on the ground is precarious, with government offices and police stations left without security personnel. Residents are worried about the potential consequences of the security vacuum, including looting and the spread of lawlessness. One resident expressed concern for their life and urged a quick return to law and order. Another resident highlighted the risks of government and public property being exposed to looting.
The conflict has also had significant diplomatic repercussions, with Ethiopia expelling 10 Eritrean diplomats and shutting its embassy in Asmara on Thursday. Eritrea responded by severing all diplomatic ties, citing long-standing fears of landlocked Ethiopia's plans to invade and seize access to its coastline. Additionally, Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat without explanation, prompting a reciprocal move by Cairo.
The TPLF's leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, claimed in a video published late Thursday that the war is regional and aimed at controlling the Red Sea. However, the rebels' initial advances in neighboring Afar and Amhara states were short-lived, as they were pushed back this week. The government then launched a counter-offensive into Tigrayan territory along three axes towards Mekelle.
A pro-government militia of Tigrayans reported on Friday that it had taken full control of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport, roughly 10 kilometers outside the city. The airport's capture marked a significant milestone in the government's advances. The Critical Threats Project, part of the American Enterprise Institute think tank, reported that the government launched its counter-offensive along three axes towards Mekelle.
The situation in Mekelle remains uncertain, with residents anxiously awaiting the return of law and order. The government's advances have raised hopes of a swift resolution to the conflict, but concerns about potential humanitarian crises and long-term stability persist. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the conflict's repercussions could be far-reaching.
Key points
- Tigray rebels abandon Mekelle as government forces advance
- Conflict sparks diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt
- Government forces seize Mekelle airport, advancing towards the city
