Pro-government militia claims control of Mekelle airport amid Tigray fighting

Late Friday, the militia aligned with Ethiopia’s federal government, known as the Tigray Peace Forces, posted on X that they had seized complete control of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport and were in the process of clearing the capital city of the northern Tigray region. The announcement comes after the Tigray People’s one outlet Front, which governs the region, launched a sizable offensive against Ethiopian federal troops last week, prompting a swift counter-attack by federal forces and allied militias.

If the airport and the city are indeed under government hands, it would mark a significant reversal for the TPLF’s campaign. The claim has not been verified, and the Prime Minister’s Office has not issued a comment, while the TPLF could not be reached for a statement. Analysts warn that the renewed fighting, the worst escalation since the 2020-2022 civil war, could expand into a broader regional conflict.