Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital Mekelle as government forces enter city

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1. 1h ago

   Ethiopian Federal Forces Seize Control of Tigray Capital Mekelle

   Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have taken full control of Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew its forces from the city and relocated its administration, citing concerns for civilian safety. Federal troops entered the city on Saturday and were patrolling the streets by Sunday after seizing the main regional airport. Despite the retreat, TPLF leadership has vowed to continue its resistance. Meanwhile, regional leaders from Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea met in Alamein to discuss the risk of a wider conflict.

   Why it matters

   The current fighting began on September 23 when the TPLF launched attacks against federal forces. This escalation raises fears of a return to the civil war that occurred from 2020 to 2022. The conflict has geopolitical implications, as Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the rebels.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopian federal forces and allies have retaken the Tigray regional capital of Mekelle.
   • Federal troops seized the main regional airport in Mekelle.
   • The Tigray People's Liberation Front withdrew its forces from Mekelle.
   • Presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea met in Alamein on Sunday to discuss the conflict.
   • The TPLF launched attacks against federal forces on September 23.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A drone strike in a Tigray displacement camp killed several people on Monday.
   • Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are providing direct support to Tigray rebels.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of TPLF counter-attacks following their administrative relocation
   • Outcomes of the diplomatic meeting between the presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea
   • Confirmation of casualties from reported drone strikes on displacement camps
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Reuters — Ethiopian forces near Tigray capital, fears grow of wider conflict
   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. France 24 — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital Mekelle as pro-government forces advance
   6. The Washington Post — Fighting in Ethiopia threatens to spill into conflicts in Horn of Africa and beyond
   7. AP News — Ethiopian federal forces retake Mekelle airport from Tigrayan fighters, residents say
   8. Bloomberg.com — Ethiopia Recaptures Tigray Airport as Northern Rebels Retreat
   9. www.france24.com — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital Mekelle as pro-government forces advance - France 24
   10. www.france24.com — Ethiopian federal forces control Tigray capital as regional rivals meet in Egypt - France 24
   11. www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopian government forces seize Tigray capital Mekelle as ...
   12. africa.businessinsider.com — Ethiopia retakes Tigray’s capital as rebel leaders withdraw and vow to fight on
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