Abiy’s forces seize Tigrayan capital as El Sisi hosts regional anti-Addis coalition
Ethiopian federal forces have recaptured the Tigrayan capital of Mekelle, marking a significant military shift in the ongoing conflict. While the government plans to install an interim administration, the TPLF has signaled a transition to mobile, guerrilla-style operations rather than a total surrender.
Why it matters
The recapture of Mekelle represents a major development in the Ethiopian civil war, suggesting that the conflict is evolving rather than nearing a definitive end.
Print version RSS Tweet DISPATCHES EGYPT ETHIOPIA Abiy’s forces seize Tigrayan capital as El Sisi hosts regional anti-Addis coalition 5 Oct 2026 PREVIEW Fall of Mekelle is a heavy blow to the TPLF but is unlikely to stop the war or end regional tensions The claims that Ethiopia's Federal forces have recaptured the Tigray regional capital of Mekelle on 4 October follows a string of military successes against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) over the past week.
Initially, it had looked like the TPLF had been able to seize the military advantage. It launched its offensive on 23 September, quickly taking control of the federal airports at Mekelle, Axum and Shire (AC Vol 67 No 20, Abiy's military advantage meets a broader insurgent challenge ).
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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