Tigray Forces Reportedly Seize Mekelle Airport Amid Renewed Tensions

Local residents in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have informed the BBC that Tigrayan forces have seized the main airport in the regional capital, Mekelle. The airport is reportedly no longer operational, with Ethiopian Airlines confirming the suspension of flights to Mekelle and other nearby cities, citing the “current situation” in Tigray.

This development occurs amidst rising tensions between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), raising concerns about a potential return to civil war. The TPLF recently announced an alliance with six other armed groups to challenge the government in Addis Ababa.

The conflict in Tigray, which ended in November 2022 through an African Union-brokered peace deal, was one of the deadliest of the century, with an estimated 600,000 fatalities and pushing the region to the brink of famine. However, both sides are now accusing each other of violating the peace agreement.

Recent reported drone strikes in Tigray have further heightened the crisis. A strike in Alamata on Tuesday allegedly killed at least 14 civilians and injured 22, according to Tigrayan authorities. The town’s mayor accused federal forces of targeting schools, though he noted they were unoccupied. The government has not yet commented on these allegations.

The Tigray authorities have accused Addis Ababa of an “open invasion” and urged citizens to support regional forces. The US State Department has condemned a separate drone strike targeting a humanitarian convoy and called for an investigation and dialogue.

Both the federal government and the TPLF have faced criticism for delays in implementing the peace accord. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed previously accused the TPLF of preparing for renewed conflict, while the TPLF restored its pre-war administration earlier this year.