Story perspectives

Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Mekelle, Axum, Shire Flights After Airport Seizure

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 3:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Flights

Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire on September 23, 2026, citing current situation.
Tigrayan forces aligned with the TPLF seized Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle overnight Sep 22-23.
The seizure followed the TPLF’s alliance with six armed groups announced three days earlier to overthrow Abiy Ahmed.
Drone strikes on September 20 destroyed a truck with 41 tons of food aid, straining the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.

Summary

US Condemns Drone Strike

The United States condemned September 20 drone strike on a Catholic humanitarian convoy and demanded an investigation.
The Catholic Eparchy located the truck at Kirecher, Hibret Tabia, with 41 tons of food aid.
Addis Ababa accused Sudan of supplying arms to TPLF-linked forces.
Egypt provides diplomatic cover and logistical aid to opposition groups, with no weapon transfers documented.
Rights groups allege the TPLF forced recruitment this year as it readies for fighting.

History

Historical Context

The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front seized Addis Ababa on 28 May 1991, ending the Derg’s Marxist rule that began with the 1974 coup and caused at least 1.4 million deaths. The victory united the Tigray People’s Liberation Front with former allies, shaping today’s TPLF alliances and the September 20 drone strike on a 41-ton Catholic aid convoy, which draws renewed U.S. and United Nations criticism.

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Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Flights

Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire on September 23, 2026, citing current situation.
Tigrayan forces aligned with the TPLF seized Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle overnight Sep 22-23.
The seizure followed the TPLF’s alliance with six armed groups announced three days earlier to overthrow Abiy Ahmed.
Drone strikes on September 20 destroyed a truck with 41 tons of food aid, straining the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.

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