Conflict & Security
Tigray rebels withdraw from regional capital Mekelle as Ethiopian forces advance
October 3, 2026 at 09:25 AM · Updated 13d ago
Coverage
3 reports
Tigray rebels have withdrawn from Mekelle as Ethiopian government-aligned forces advance in a counteroffensive across the country's north.
- Tigray People's Liberation Front fighters began withdrawing from Mekelle on Saturday as pro-government forces advanced toward the city.
- Pro-government forces said Friday they had taken full control of Mekelle's Alula Aba Nega airport, roughly 10 kilometers from the city.
- Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats Thursday and closed its embassy in Asmara, with Eritrea pledging to sever all diplomatic relations.
- TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael said the war is regional and a fight for control of the Red Sea.
- Seven rebel groups from across Ethiopia announced a new coalition against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, uniting previously competing factions.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea traded accusations of fueling internal conflicts amid renewed fighting in the Tigray region.