Pro-government forces claim control of Mekelle airport in Ethiopia

On October 2, 2026, militia groups aligned with the Ethiopian federal government announced the capture of the Alula Aba Nega Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. The announcement, shared by the Tigray Peace Forces (TPF) on the X platform, indicates that the forces are also conducting clearance operations within the city of Mekelle, claiming that leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has fled toward Eritrea.

Hostilities in northern Ethiopia escalated significantly on September 23, 2026, following months of mounting tension between the federal government and regional authorities. This military action follows a recent development where the TPLF and six other armed groups formed a coalition aimed at overthrowing the federal administration led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. While the TPF maintains that they have established full control of the strategic facility, the situation remains fluid as regional actors continue to navigate the aftermath of this recent escalation.