World·Africa
Ethiopian federal forces retake Mekelle airport in Tigray, sources tell Reuters
Ethiopia’s federal military has recaptured Alula Aba Nega Airport in Tigray’s capital Mekelle, three sources told Reuters on Saturday, a major setback for an opposition alliance in its stronghold. Clashes between a rebel alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and government-allied forces broke out last week, the most serious escalation since the 2020–2022 civil war; opposition forces had seized the airport on Sept. 23. Addis Ababa severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea this week, accusing it of supporting the rebels alongside Sudan and Egypt—claims those countries deny. Reuters could not independently verify all assertions; the TPLF could not immediately be reached for comment.
Sources
- ReutersEthiopia government forces retake airport in Tigray's capital, sources say