Al Jazeera reported that Ethiopia's government forces have retaken the airport in Mekelle, capital of the northern Tigray region, with rebel fighters seen leaving the city, according to local sources.
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Key facts
- Al Jazeera reported that government forces have retaken the airport in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region.
- Rebels were seen leaving the city, according to local sources cited by Al Jazeera.
- Al Jazeera reported that Addis Ababa's forces were advancing as rebels pulled back.
- The report was published on 3 October 2026.
Ethiopia’s government forces have retaken the airport in Mekelle, the capital of the country’s northern Tigray region, according to a report by Al Jazeera published on 3 October 2026.
The report said rebels had been seen leaving the regional capital, citing local sources. The movement of fighters out of the city coincided with the advance of forces loyal to Addis Ababa, the national capital, according to the outlet.
Al Jazeera reported that the rebels were pulling back as the government’s forces moved forward.
The available reporting focuses on the withdrawal of rebel forces and the reported recapture of the airport. Further details about the broader military and political context, and independent confirmation of the reported developments, were not provided in the source material.
Why it matters
The reported shift in control of Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital, concerns a long-running conflict in Ethiopia. The source material does not provide further detail on the implications for civilians or the wider situation.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ethiopian government forces retake?
According to Al Jazeera, government forces retook the airport in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.
What happened to the rebels?
Rebels were seen leaving the Tigray regional capital, according to local sources cited by Al Jazeera, pulling back as Addis Ababa's forces advanced.
When were these developments reported?
The developments were reported by Al Jazeera on October 3, 2026.
Timeline
- What’s happening in Ethiopia?
Al Jazeera: Ethiopia is facing renewed fighting in the north, just four years after the devastating Tigray war ended.
- Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting
Al Jazeera: The capture of Tigray’s regional capital revives fears of another prolonged conflict, displacement and crisis.
- Ethiopia’s government forces retake airport from Tigray rebels in Mekelle
Al Jazeera: The rebels have been seen leaving the capital of the northern Tigray region, according to local sources.