Ethiopian Forces Enter Mekelle as Tigray Rebels Withdraw

In October 2026, Ethiopian government forces entered Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, after Tigray rebels abandoned the city. Government forces also retook the airport in Mekelle, according to sources. The Tigray rebels, identified as the TPLF, withdrew as pro-government forces advanced. A journalist reported the rebel withdrawal from the regional capital.