Government forces seize capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region from rebels

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1. 2h ago

   Ethiopian government forces seize Tigray capital from rebels

   Ethiopian government forces have regained control of the capital of Tigray, Mekelle, after opposition fighters withdrew from the city. This development deals a major setback to the opposition alliance that rules the northern Ethiopian region. The fighting, which is the worst escalation since a 2020-2022 civil war, threatens to escalate into a wider regional conflict.

   Why it matters

   The conflict in Tigray has been ongoing, with tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) increasing in recent days. The region has been a focal point of instability in the Horn of Africa, with concerns of a wider conflict emerging. The Ethiopian government has been working to regain control of the region, which has been under TPLF control since 2020.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopian government forces and allied militias have regained control of the capital of Tigray.
   • The opposition alliance that rules the northern region has been dealt a major setback.
   • The fighting threatens to escalate into a wider regional conflict.
   • The conflict has driven risks of an escalation into a wider regional conflict, including a potential Ethiopia-Eritrea war.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A commander allied with the government reports drone strikes in Tigray as markets reopen in the regional capital.

   What to watch next

   • Further escalation of the conflict in Tigray
   • Reaction from the international community
   • Development of humanitarian situation in the region
   Sources used for this update (21)

   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. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s government forces retake airport from Tigray rebels in Mekelle
   5. The Washington Post — Fighting in Ethiopia threatens to spill into conflicts in Horn of Africa and beyond
   6. AP News — Ethiopian federal forces retake Mekelle airport from Tigrayan fighters, residents say
   7. Reuters — Government forces seize capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region from rebels
   8. The Hill — Opposition fighters in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray withdraw from regional capital
   9. Al Jazeera — Ethiopian government forces seize Tigray capital Mekelle as TPLF withdraws
   10. bbc.com — Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
   11. Sky News — Opposition fighters withdraw from capital of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region
   12. www.thestar.com.my — Government forces seize capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region from rebels | The Star
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