Ethiopian federal forces take control of Mekelle as TPLF withdraws

Tigray People’s Liberation Front Withdraws From Mekelle After Federal Advance

Ethiopian federal forces and allied militias have taken control of Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) announced it had abandoned the city. The armed opposition alliance withdrew its forces late on Saturday, October 4, 2026, following a rapid military advance by the national army and pro-government fighters who recaptured the city’s main airport earlier that day. The Tigray Peace Forces, a pro-government militia, stated on Facebook that its fighters controlled the city, while a source close to the militia noted that its units entered the centre on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Ethiopian military.

The developments mark a severe military setback for the TPLF-led coalition, which launched a major offensive on September 23, 2026. The fighting represents the worst escalation in northern Ethiopia since the 2020–2022 civil war ended with the Pretoria Agreement, a peace deal brokered by the African Union. The TPLF stated on social media that it had temporarily moved out of Mekelle to operate from elsewhere due to risks facing civilians. A humanitarian source and local residents confirmed to Reuters and the BBC that pro-government forces now control the regional capital and that mobile phone services have resumed in parts of the city.

Alliance seeks to remove Abiy Ahmed government

The recapture of Mekelle follows an offensive launched by an alliance of seven armed and political groups formed last month, which includes the Fano militia from the Amhara region, with the stated objective of removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Fighting has occurred in recent weeks across the northern regions of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara. Losing the regional capital deals a major blow to the coalition’s campaign.

The renewed conflict has triggered severe diplomatic friction across the Horn of Africa. Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the rebel alliance. While Khartoum and Cairo denied any involvement, Eritrea—which fought alongside the Ethiopian federal army during the 2020-2022 conflict—severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s foreign minister, told Reuters that Egypt is not a party to Ethiopia’s domestic crisis, emphasizing that the country’s focus remains on Nile water security. It is an existential issue, Abdelatty said. It’s life or death for 110 million people.

International leaders urge restraint amid humanitarian disruptions

The United States Department of State urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to respect regional sovereignty, exercise maximum restraint, and return to dialogue. The UN has warned that the worsening security situation is severely disrupting vital humanitarian operations across northern Ethiopia, threatening populations still recovering from the previous conflict’s devastation.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi addressed regional stability during a meeting in Egypt with leaders from Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, stating that cross-border challenges require dialogue rather than confrontation. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to prevent the localized fighting from widening into a regional war.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Conflict in Tigray

Why did the Tigray People’s Liberation Front withdraw from Mekelle?

The TPLF stated it temporarily relocated its regional government and forces out of Mekelle to operate from elsewhere in order to protect civilians from risks associated with the advancing federal military and allied militias.

Which armed groups make up the new opposition coalition against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed?

The opposition alliance consists of seven armed and political groups, including the TPLF and the Fano militia from the Amhara region, which formed an alliance in September 2026 to remove the federal government.

What role are neighboring countries playing in the current escalation?

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the rebel coalition, leading Addis Ababa to sever diplomatic ties with Eritrea and expel diplomats. Khartoum, Cairo, and Asmara have denied providing any support to the opposition groups.