Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting

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1. 1h ago

   Ethiopian Forces Retake Mekelle as Tigray Rebel Leaders Withdraw

   Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have taken control of Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, after rebel leaders announced a withdrawal from the city. The offensive reverses a recent takeover by Tigrayan fighters that had triggered the suspension of commercial flights and sparked fresh regional conflict. Following the capture of the capital and its airport, aid sources report that airstrikes and artillery have hit northern Ethiopia. The renewed fighting threatens a 2022 peace deal and has left dozens of children wounded or killed since hostilities erupted in September.

   Why it matters

   The escalation shatters relative stability and tests strained regional ties across the Horn of Africa, drawing international concern as diplomatic efforts falter. The Tigray People's Liberation Front has relocated its administration and vowed to continue resistance, raising fears of another prolonged humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, local and international authorities are tracking reports of forced recruitment and escalating violence that continues to impact civilians across the north.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopian federal forces and their allies have retaken Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region.
   • Tigray People's Liberation Front leaders announced their withdrawal from Mekelle, allowing government-allied fighters to enter the city.
   • Federal forces recaptured Mekelle airport from Tigrayan fighters, reversing a takeover from the previous month.
   • Airstrikes and artillery have hit northern Ethiopia following the fall of the Tigray capital, according to aid sources.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Tigray rebel groups are forcibly recruiting boys as young as 15 as fighting spreads.

   What to watch next

   • Whether regional neighbors or international powers will intervene in the escalating conflict
   • Further reports on civilian casualties, displacement, and humanitarian access in northern Ethiopia
   • Actions taken by the TPLF from its relocated administration as it vows to continue resistance
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. The Economist — Analysing Africa newsletter: The war everyone saw coming
   2. Vatican News — Ethiopia's Catholic Bishops issue pastoral appeal for peace and reconciliation
   3. The New York Times — What to Know About Fighting Between Ethiopia and Rebels in Tigray
   4. Reuters — Pro-government forces say they retake airport in Ethiopia's Tigray region
   5. bbc.com — Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
   6. www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital - BBC News
   7. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting
   8. www.africanews.com — Ethiopian forces recapture Mekelle airport from Tigrayan fighters | Africanews
   9. The Africa Report — Drones over Addis: How Ethiopia’s rebels are trying to nationalise the war
   10. www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting
   11. Reuters — Airstrikes and artillery hit north Ethiopia after Tigray capital's fall, aid sources say
   12. Financial Times — Ethiopian government seizes Tigray capital in blow to rebels
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