Ethiopia Recaptures Mekelle as Tigray War Threat Returns

2026, October 4

Ethiopia

Ethiopian government forces and allied militias have recaptured Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, after Tigrayan opposition forces withdrew from the city. The Tigray People's Liberation Front acknowledged the retreat, saying its regional government would temporarily relocate.

The development marks the most serious escalation since Ethiopia's devastating 2020–2022 Tigray war and raises fears of a wider regional conflict. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting the rebel alliance—claims all three countries deny—while the renewed fighting has already displaced civilians and threatens another major humanitarian crisis.