Ethiopian government forces and allied militias have taken control of Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, marking a major setback for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front after days of rapid federal advances.
Three sources told Reuters on Sunday that government-aligned forces were now in control of the city, a day after Tigrayan fighters withdrew as federal troops closed in.
The TPLF acknowledged the retreat in a statement, saying the regional administration would be temporarily relocated from Mekelle and operate from another location.
A source close to the pro-government Tigray Peace Forces said its fighters entered central Mekelle on Saturday afternoon before Ethiopian federal troops followed. A humanitarian source and a resident of the city also confirmed that government forces had taken control.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office did not immediately comment.
The capture of Mekelle represents one of the most significant developments since renewed fighting erupted in northern Ethiopia in September.
The TPLF-led opposition alliance launched a major offensive on September 23, but federal forces and allied fighters have since mounted a rapid counteroffensive, retaking territory across Tigray and neighbouring regions.
The Sudan Times reported on Saturday that Tigrayan forces had withdrawn from Mekelle as federal troops advanced, following the earlier capture of Alula Aba Nega International Airport outside the city.
The latest fighting is the most serious escalation in northern Ethiopia since the 2020–2022 civil war and has raised concerns that the conflict could draw in neighbouring states.
Ethiopia severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea last week and has accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting the TPLF-led opposition alliance. All three countries have denied the allegations.
