WORLD · 05 Oct 2026 · 09:32 GMT ·2 min read

Regional Conflict Escalates as Federal Forces Retake Tigray Capital

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces withdrew from Mekelle on October 4, 2026.

NEUTRALITY 65 · MIXED· 3 sources

Al Jazeera

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces withdrew from Mekelle on October 4, 2026. The group cited civilian safety concerns. Ethiopian federal forces and pro-government militias entered the regional capital on October 3, 2026, after capturing Alula Aba Nega Airport. Fighting in northern Ethiopia began on September 23, 2026, when the TPLF launched attacks into neighboring states. The conflict caused at least 52 civilian deaths. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic relations on October 2, 2026.

Context

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government ended their two-year civil war on November 2, 2022, under the Pretoria Agreement. The TPLF formed an alliance with six other armed groups in September 2026.

This coalition includes the Fano militia and opposes Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Fighting resumed on September 23, 2026. The TPLF launched attacks into neighboring states on that date. These events ended the period of stability that followed the 2022 peace agreement.

Supportive perspectives

Federal forces regained control of the regional capital, Mekelle, on October 3, 2026. This restoration of state authority aims to stabilize the region after the TPLF launched attacks into neighboring states on September 23, 2026.
Pro-government forces captured Alula Aba Nega Airport 10 kilometers east of Mekelle on October 2, 2026. This transport hub now supports the resumption of government logistics and communication services.
Mobile phone services resumed in parts of Mekelle after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew. The restored infrastructure allows residents to communicate again.
The Ethiopian government expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara on October 1, 2026. Officials stated the action was a response to regional interference.

Critical perspectives

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) stated that it withdrew from Mekelle to ensure civilian safety. The conflict resulted in at least 52 civilian deaths across northern Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian military reported that 270 Tigrayan fighters died and 200 sustained injuries in the Amhara region. These figures originate from the military.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) captured Alamata. The town functions as a supply hub for fuel, food, and troops. Combat remains active in surrounding areas despite the group's withdrawal from the capital.
An explosion occurred at the Ministry of Defence in Addis Ababa on Thursday. Analysts state that the conflict has reached the national capital. This event presents security risks to the central government.