# Tigray Rebels Abandon Capital

> Ethiopian government forces advance as Tigray rebels flee Mekelle.
- Title: Tigray Rebels Abandon Capital · Allafrica | Shortify
- Summary: Ethiopian government forces advance as Tigray rebels flee Mekelle. Tigray rebels reportedly abandon Mekelle as pro-government forces push into the city.
- Keywords: tigray people's liberation front, mekelle, ethiopian government, federal forces, tplf, tigray rebels, ethiopia, east africa, conflict, news, world, politics
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610040088.html
- Published: 2026-10-04T16:33:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tigray people's liberation front, mekelle, ethiopian government, federal forces, tplf, tigray rebels, ethiopia, east africa, conflict, news, world, politics
## Tigray rebels abandon capital
Tigray rebels reportedly abandon their regional capital Mekelle as pro-government forces advance on the city.
## Fighting intensifies
Fighting erupted on 23 September as TPLF launched attacks into neighboring states, raising fears of all-out conflict.
## Pro-government forces push back
Federal forces and pro-government militias have pushed TPLF back toward Mekelle, witnesses told AFP.
## Local concerns
Residents reported government offices and police stations left without security, fearing looting and lawlessness.
## Mekelle airport recaptured
Pro-government militia claimed recapture of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport, stating they are clearing the city.
## Alliances shift
Ethiopia accuses Sudan and Eritrea of backing TPLF, leading to expulsions of Eritrean and Egyptian diplomats.
## Humanitarian impact
TPLF pushed entirely out of Afar, with 600,000 people killed in TPLF's civil war with federal government.
## Key takeaway

Tigray rebels reportedly abandon Mekelle as pro-government forces push into the city.