Ethiopia's federal forces retake Mekelle airport in escalating conflict
Government troops recaptured the main airport in Mekelle, dealing a major setback to the opposition alliance.
Ethiopia's federal military retook the airport in Mekelle, the capital of northern Tigray, three sources say. The move marks a major gain for the government in fighting that started September 23.
The fighting is the most serious violence since the 2020-2022 civil war. A Mekelle resident reported seeing some Tigrayan Defence Force fighters leaving their posts and could hear gunfire outside the city centre.
The fighting has sparked global concern about a wider regional conflict. The United States urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to show restraint.
Ethiopia cut diplomatic ties with Eritrea this week, saying it backs the rebel alliance. Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt all deny this claim.
- September 23
- Fighting start
- Mekelle, Tigray
- Airport location
- 10 km
- Distance from city
- 2020-2022 civil war
- Previous war
Why it mattersThe airport loss weakens the opposition in its stronghold and raises the risk of a bigger regional conflict across the Horn of Africa and the Gulf.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but escalating conflict in the Horn of Africa could disrupt humanitarian operations and regional stability that Australian aid and diplomacy engage with.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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