Ethiopian federal troops regain control of Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega Airport
Federal forces have taken back Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega Airport after Tigrayan fighters seized it in September, residents said.
According to unnamed residents in Mekelle, Ethiopian federal forces have reclaimed the Alula Aba Nega Airport, which the Tigray People’s one outlet Front took on Sept. 23, prompting a suspension of commercial flights. The exact moment of the federal takeover was not specified, and both the Ethiopian government and the TPLF have remained silent on the matter. Severe disruptions to internet and mobile networks make independent confirmation difficult, and locals expressed concerns about possible looting.
The airport’s capture had led Ethiopian Airlines to halt service to Mekelle, Axum and Shire. The African Union warned that renewed clashes could jeopardize the 2022 peace accord, while Ethiopia has recently expelled Eritrean diplomats amid accusations of Eritrean support for the TPLF. Ongoing hostilities continue to strain essential services for civilians still recovering from the earlier war.
Why it matters
Control of the airport affects regional transport, humanitarian aid and the fragile peace in Tigray.
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Tigrayan forces capture Mekelle airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to halt regional flights
- Sep 23 Ethiopian Airlines posted a flight suspension following the reported airport seizure.
- Oct 3 TPLF forces are withdrawing from Mekelle as federal troops advance toward the capital.
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