Ethiopian troops and militia occupy Adwa after TPLF pullout, residents report looting
Ethiopian federal forces and an allied militia entered Adwa without resistance following the TPLF's withdrawal, and locals said shops were closed and government buildings looted.
On Sunday, Ethiopian government troops together with an allied militia entered the northwestern town of Adwa, about 40 km from the Eritrean border, after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front withdrew its fighters. Locals described a quiet arrival, noting that shops were closed and municipal facilities such as Adwa Hospital had been looted during the night. Earlier this month, ACLED recorded a drone strike on a hotel in Adwa that injured between five and nine individuals, including security personnel.
The federal advance comes days after the capture of Adigrat and the recapture of the regional capital Mekelle, where Ethiopian Airlines restarted flights. TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa declined comment, while former Tigray leader Getachew Reda, now an adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, pledged visible change at Mekelle airport. Ethiopia continues to accuse Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing the rebel alliance, a claim those states deny.
Why it matters
The move signals a major federal advance in the Tigray conflict, affecting civilian safety and regional stability.
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 2 A seven-group coalition headed by the TPLF has clashed with Ethiopia’s army in the north, while neighboring states and Gulf powers are accused of backing opposite sides.
- Oct 3 TPLF forces are withdrawing from Mekelle as federal troops advance toward the capital.
- Oct 4 A new coalition of seven anti‑government militias under the TPLF has been formed.
- Oct 5 Federal troops and pro‑government militias entered Mekelle following the TPLF’s announced withdrawal.
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