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Pro-government Militia Claims Recapture of Mekelle Airport in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region
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Recapture of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport
On October 3, 2026, the Tigray Peace Forces militia – a group allied with Ethiopia’s federal government – announced on the social-media platform X that it had taken full control of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport and was clearing the city of Mekelle. Reuters was unable to independently verify the claim, and the Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to a request for comment. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
Background to the Renewed Fighting
The airport’s loss follows a large-scale offensive launched by the TPLF last week against Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) positions in the region. Prior to the offensive, all commercial flights to Tigray had been cancelled, and the ticket office at the airport was closed as of September 26, 2026, reflecting the broader disruption caused by the conflict that reignited after a 2020-2022 civil war.
Official Statements and Responses
- The Tigray Peace Forces’ post on X asserted that its forces had secured the airport and were conducting clearance operations in Mekelle.
- The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment when approached for a statement.
- The TPLF did not issue an immediate response to the militia’s claim.
Potential Regional Implications
Analysts note that the reported recapture of the airport represents a significant setback for the TPLF-led opposition alliance, which had recently escalated hostilities. They warn that the intensified fighting, described as the worst escalation since the 2020-2022 civil war, could expand beyond Tigray and heighten the risk of a broader regional conflict.