Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
Rebel forces from the Tigray People's Liberation Front have withdrawn from Mekelle, Ethiopia, as government forces advance on the city. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of renewed instability in the Horn of Africa.
Why it matters
The conflict in Ethiopia has significant humanitarian implications and potential for regional destabilization in East Africa.
A pro-government soldier standing guard on a street in Ethiopia's Tigray region on Sunday./SCREENGRAB
Rebel forces in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region have said they have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, as fighting with the national army moves towards the city.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been running the region, said its decision to relocate was made because of concerns about risks to civilians.
Two residents in Mekelle told the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city and TPLF forces have abandoned it. One resident also said mobile phone services appear to have resumed in parts of the city.
Fighting has erupted in recent weeks between the TPLF and federal government forces alongside allied fighters in parts of Ethiopia's northern regions of Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital as government advances
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