Ethiopian Forces Retake Mekelle Airport Amid Uncertain Security

Ethiopian federal forces have retaken Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, according to people familiar with events and a resident cited in reporting. The airport had been seized by opposition forces when renewed fighting began in September. The status of security inside Mekelle, however, remains unclear, and reports that Tigrayan forces and leaders withdrew from the city have not been independently confirmed. Two people with knowledge of developments, including a humanitarian source, said the Ethiopian National Defence Forces had regained control of the airport. A Mekelle resident also said government forces had taken it. Separately, the Tigray Peace Forces, a militia allied with the federal government, said it had taken full control of the airport and was clearing the city; that claim was not immediately verified. A local journalist and residents said Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters and leaders were seen retreating from Mekelle. The journalist said federal forces had not yet been seen inside the city.