Ethiopian rebels temporarily leave Tigray capital
Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Tigray region have temporarily left the regional capital, Mekelle, due to concerns for civilian safety.
Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Tigray region have temporarily left the regional capital, Mekelle, due to concerns for civilian safety, according to BBC News.
Two residents in Mekelle confirmed that government forces now control the city, and mobile phone services have resumed in parts, BBC News reports. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) recently joined six other armed groups to form an alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, as noted by BBC News.
Government forces recaptured Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, which was seized by rebels last week, Deutsche Welle reports. The TPLF, which governed Ethiopia from 1991 to 2018, aims to overthrow Abiy's government, with over 600,000 killed in a 2020-2022 civil war, according to Deutsche Welle.
Key points
- Tigray rebels temporarily leave Mekelle, citing civilian safety.
- Government forces now control Mekelle; mobile services partially restored.
- TPLF-led alliance aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
Why it matters
The temporary withdrawal marks a significant shift in the conflict, raising questions about the stability of the region and the future of the TPLF's efforts to overthrow the government.
Sources
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