Ethiopia’s federal army over the weekend took control of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region and stronghold of the rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Troops from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) had also regained control of the main Alula Aba Nega Airport.
A week ago, Tigray forces seized the airport hours after a war broke out between rebel alliance forces consisting of seven armed groups against the Ethiopian government and its allied forces.
Multiple videos are trending on social media displaying that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and the Tigray Peace Force took control of Mekelle for the second time in five years. They have been warmly greeted and welcomed by the residents in the city.
The federal government in Addis Ababa severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea last week, accusing Asmara of supporting the rebel alliance alongside Sudan and Egypt.
The three countries have denied the allegation.
Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara, while Eritrea said it would sever diplomatic ties with its neighbour.
Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat, prompting a reciprocal move by Cairo.
According to information reaching APA, the Eritrean government denied association to the newly formed opposition alliance which constitutes seven armed groups.
Fighting erupted on September 23 after the TPLF launched attacks into neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions, raising fears of a return to Ethiopia’s devastating 2020–2022 civil war.
Residents told APA that government offices and police stations in Mekelle were left without security personnel.
They also expressed concern about possible looting and lawlessness as government forces moved toward the city.
One resident said they feared for their safety and wanted law and order restored quickly.
MG/as/APA