Ethiopian federal forces enter Mekelle as Tigray fighters withdraw

Ethiopian federal forces have entered Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, as fighters and leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front withdrew from the city, in a development confirmed by AFP amid ongoing government advances in the region.

Field reports indicated that Tigray forces evacuated Mekelle as federal troops advanced, with leaders and fighters leaving the city and government offices and police stations now deserted.

The federal entry into the regional capital was preceded by an announcement from the pro-government Tigray Peace Force, which said it had taken control of Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle.

The withdrawal of Tigray fighters has also extended to the neighboring Afar region, where they abandoned their positions amid a counteroffensive by Ethiopian federal forces.