Ethiopian Government Forces Retake Tigray’s Capital Mekelle, Dealing Blow to TPLF

Ethiopian government troops and allied militias have taken back control of Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, according to three sources. The pro government Tigray Peace Forces reportedly entered the city center on Saturday afternoon, with the Ethiopian military following. A humanitarian worker and a local resident both said the city is now under government control. The prime minister’s office has not yet commented.

TPLF Retreats and Moves Its Government

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which leads the opposition alliance running the region, confirmed on Facebook that it has pulled out of Mekelle. It said the regional government will be temporarily relocated and operate from another location. Losing the capital is a major setback for the alliance, which launched a large offensive against the Ethiopian military on Sept. 23.

Fears of a Wider Regional Conflict

Federal forces and their allies counterattacked quickly into Tigray. Analysts describe the fighting as the worst escalation since the 2020-2022 civil war and warn it could grow into a broader regional conflict. Last week, Addis Ababa cut diplomatic ties with Eritrea, accusing it of backing the rebels alongside Sudan and Egypt. All three countries deny the claim.