Two residents of Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, have told the BBC that rebel forces have withdrawn and pro-government forces are now in control of the city. The accounts have not been independently verified.
Key facts
- Two residents of Mekelle told the BBC that rebel forces have withdrawn from the Tigray regional capital.
- The same residents said pro-government forces have taken control of the city.
- The reports come from residents as relayed by the BBC and have not been independently verified.
Rebel forces have withdrawn from Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, according to accounts from residents of the city relayed by the BBC.
Two residents in Mekelle told the BBC that pro-government forces have taken control of the city following the withdrawal.
The residents’ accounts provide the primary basis for reports of the change in control. The BBC has not independently verified the claims.
Beyond the residents’ accounts of the withdrawal and pro-government forces taking control, further details on the circumstances surrounding the development were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Mekelle is the administrative heart of the Tigray region, so control of the city carries significant political and strategic weight. A shift in who holds the capital can signal a meaningful change in the balance of power on the ground, though the current reports rest on unverified resident accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Who now controls Mekelle?
According to two residents who spoke to the BBC, pro-government forces have taken control of the city after rebel forces withdrew.
Where is Mekelle?
Mekelle is the regional capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region.
When was the withdrawal reported?
The BBC reported the development on 4 October 2026, based on accounts from residents.