Federal forces take control of Mekelle as Tigray conflict resumes
The Tigray People's Liberation Front has made a strategic withdrawal from major towns following recent fighting with the national army.
Federal forces have marched into Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, following a resumption of fighting between the national army and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). According to BBC News, the conflict broke out in late September, marking a return to the civil war that officially ended in 2022.
The TPLF described its movement from Mekelle and other main towns as a strategic withdrawal, resulting in little resistance for the army. While the TPLF spokesperson Mikael Asgedom denied the group has lost, claiming the retreat was a deliberate tactical move to isolate the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), military sources aligned with the federal army say operations to degrade TPLF capabilities are continuing.
Hundreds of people have reportedly died in the conflict, including dozens killed by bombing raids and drone strikes. Residents in parts of Tigray report that fighting continues in central, northern, and north-western areas, with heavy artillery and drone strikes being used.
In Mekelle, hair salon owner Firut Me'ar said that while things are better than during the war, business is almost non-existent and people lack money and morale. She noted that residents face uncertainty regarding what comes next.
Analyst Cameroon Hudson said the TPLF has lost popular support and is fragmented, lacking the military technology to match the ENDF. He added that infighting and the loss of generals and diplomats have caused significant damage to the group.