Tigray rebel forces retreat from Ethiopian regional capital Mekelle

Government-allied forces have taken control of Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, after the TPLF rebel group pulled out of the city in early October 2026. The TPLF said it left to protect civilians from the fighting. Troops from the federal military and allied Tigray Peace Forces then entered the city. During the withdrawal, witnesses saw people looting government buildings, police offices, and shops. Mobile phone services came back on in parts of Mekelle after the takeover. Federal forces also captured Alamata, a town about 120 kilometres to the south. Fighting has spread across Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. The federal government has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of giving support to the rebels.