Ethiopian government troops seize Tigray’s capital Mekelle

On October 3, 2026, Ethiopian federal forces and allied militias reclaimed control of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray in northern Ethiopia, after weeks of fighting. The rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) had initially seized the city in early September but began withdrawing on October 3 as government troops advanced. Alula Aba Nega Airport, one of three airfields captured by TPLF forces at the start of the conflict, was recaptured without resistance. The TPLF leaders and fighters were seen retreating northward, leaving Mekelle largely unprotected. Local residents expressed concern about looting and lawlessness due to the absence of security personnel in government offices and police stations. This development is significant as it marks a major shift in the conflict and raises concerns that renewed fighting could destabilize the Horn of Africa region, potentially involving neighboring countries like Eritrea and Sudan.