Rebel forces abandon Tigray capital as government troops advance

Residents of Mekelle reported that pro-government forces have secured control of Ethiopia's Tigray regional capital, following the withdrawal of rebel forces from the strategic city. The development represents a major turning point in the armed conflict that has gripped the northern region since late 2020.

The takeover of Mekelle comes after weeks of intense fighting and follows a pattern of territorial gains by federal and regional forces aligned with the government. The city, home to over half a million people before the conflict, has been a focal point of the dispute between Ethiopian federal authorities and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Access to the region remains severely restricted, making independent verification of developments difficult. Humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern about the civilian population caught in the crossfire, with reports of widespread displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services throughout Tigray.

The military repositioning underscores the evolving dynamics of a conflict that has drawn international scrutiny and warnings from the United Nations regarding potential atrocities and mass casualties among the civilian population.