Ethiopia Forces Retake Mekelle Airport as Conflict Escalates

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian federal forces have retaken the main airport serving Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, in a major development in the country’s rapidly escalating conflict.

The recapture of Alula Aba Nega International Airport represents a significant setback for an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had seized the airport during renewed fighting last month.

The latest development comes as fears grow that the conflict could develop into a broader regional crisis involving Ethiopia’s neighbours.

Federal forces regain control of airport

Sources state that Ethiopia’s federal military had retaken the airport on Saturday.

The airport was among several strategic facilities captured by Tigrayan forces after fighting erupted on September 23.

The latest clashes are the most serious escalation in northern Ethiopia since the devastating 2020-2022 Tigray war, which killed large numbers of people and created a major humanitarian crisis.

The renewed fighting has rapidly changed the balance of power in the region, with government-aligned forces making advances towards Mekelle in recent days.

Fighting raises fears of another major war

The conflict has raised concerns that Ethiopia could be heading towards another prolonged confrontation in Tigray.

The current fighting involves an alliance led by the TPLF and Ethiopian federal forces and their allied militias.

The TPLF previously fought the federal government during the 2020-2022 war before a peace agreement was reached in 2022.

That agreement brought an end to the previous conflict, but relations between the federal government and Tigrayan authorities have deteriorated significantly in recent months.

The latest escalation has now brought fighting back to the region and raised concerns about the possibility of a wider confrontation.

Mekelle faces growing uncertainty

Residents in Mekelle have reported disruptions as fighting has moved closer to the regional capital.

Sources reported that banks and shops had been closed in parts of the city amid the advancing government forces.

There have also been reports of gunfire near the city centre, while Tigrayan fighters have reportedly retreated from some positions.

The situation remains fluid, and control of strategic locations could change as fighting continues.

Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions add to crisis

The latest military developments come against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ethiopia recently closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, accusing Eritrea of hostile activities and of supporting an opposition alliance.

Eritrea has denied the allegations and subsequently announced that it was severing diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.

The diplomatic rupture has added another potentially dangerous dimension to the conflict in northern Ethiopia.

Regional powers watching closely

The crisis has implications beyond Ethiopia’s borders.

Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting forces opposed to the Ethiopian government. The countries involved have denied the allegations.

The African Union has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise restraint and avoid actions or rhetoric that could further destabilise the region.

The renewed fighting is particularly sensitive because of longstanding disputes involving Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea, its relations with Eritrea and wider competition between regional powers.

Humanitarian concerns grow

The escalation is also raising concerns about civilians caught in the fighting.

Tigray is still recovering from the devastating humanitarian consequences of the previous war, and renewed hostilities could further disrupt food supplies, healthcare, transport and essential services.

Reports of residents leaving areas affected by the fighting have increased concerns about a new wave of displacement.

Humanitarian agencies face the additional challenge of operating in an increasingly unstable security environment.

Conflict unlikely to end quickly

Although the recapture of Mekelle airport represents an important military gain for Ethiopia’s federal forces, analysts caution that it does not necessarily signal the end of the conflict.

Tigrayan forces have previously demonstrated an ability to regroup after losing territory.

The current military success could represent a major setback for the opposition alliance, but the broader conflict remains unresolved.

The possibility of further fighting around Mekelle and other parts of Tigray remains high.

Why the Ethiopia-Tigray conflict matters internationally

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most populous countries and occupies a strategically important position in the Horn of Africa.

Any prolonged conflict could affect neighbouring countries, regional trade and security along the Red Sea.

The crisis is also unfolding at a time of heightened tensions between several countries in the region, making the situation particularly important for African and international policymakers.

The African Union’s call for restraint reflects growing concern that the conflict could move beyond Ethiopia’s borders.

What happens next?

The immediate focus will be on whether Ethiopian federal forces consolidate control around Mekelle and whether Tigrayan forces launch a counteroffensive.

Further developments could determine whether the latest escalation remains concentrated in northern Ethiopia or develops into a broader regional confrontation.

For civilians in Tigray, the immediate concern is more basic: safety, access to food and medical care, and the possibility of avoiding another prolonged war.