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Tigray Forces Seize Mekelle Airport, Flights Suspended as Tensions Rise

Escalating tensions fuel fears of a return to civil war in northern Ethiopia

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Local forces in Ethiopia's Tigray region have seized control of Mekelle's airport from federal police, residents have told the BBC, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to the city and to Shire and Axum amid escalating tensions that threaten a return to civil war.

Residents of Mekelle told the BBC that Tigrayan forces had taken over the regional capital's airport from federal police. No flights are currently landing, and Ethiopian Airlines has suspended services to Mekelle, Shire and Axum, citing the "current situation" in Tigray.

The seizure follows a year of mounting tensions between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party in Tigray. On Sunday, the TPLF announced an alliance with six armed groups in Ethiopia aimed at removing the government in Addis Ababa.

The developments come after the 2022 African Union-mediated peace deal that ended a two-year civil war – one of the deadliest conflicts this century, with AU mediator estimates of some 600,000 deaths. Both sides now accuse each other of violating the deal.

The flight suspension follows reported drone strikes in Tigray. On Tuesday, a strike in the southern town of Alamata killed at least 14 people and injured 22 others, according to Tigrayan authorities. The town's mayor, Mogos Shiferaw, told the BBC that more than five drones and one fighter jet carried out more than 21 strikes starting at around 03:30 local time.

"This caused a lot of psychological trauma in our city and our people were in a state of panic," Mogos said, adding that all those killed and injured were civilians. He accused federal forces of carrying out the strikes.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The seizure of a key airport and suspension of flights could cut off Tigray from essential supplies and humanitarian aid, echoing patterns from the earlier war.
  • Reported drone strikes hitting civilians risk inflaming public sentiment and deepening the cycle of violence.
  • The new alliance of armed groups against the federal government signals a possible coordinated escalation, threatening national stability.

Background

Ethiopia's Tigray region was at the centre of a devastating two-year war that ended with an African Union-brokered peace deal in November 2022. Nearly 600,000 people are estimated to have died, and the region faced famine conditions. The peace deal has since frayed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Recent months have seen renewed military movements and political alliances aimed at unseating Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

Key Perspectives

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF): The party controls Tigray and, alongside six allied armed groups, seeks to remove the federal government. The airport seizure appears to be aimed at consolidating control over the region. Ethiopian Federal Government: Has not officially commented on the airport seizure or the drone strikes. Accuses the TPLF of violating the peace deal and preparing for renewed conflict. Civilians (via Mayor Mogos Shiferaw): Local leaders report civilian casualties from drone strikes, describing widespread panic and psychological trauma. They demand accountability and protection. Ethiopian Airlines: Has suspended flights to three cities in Tigray for operational safety reasons, a decision that disrupts travel and trade.

What to Watch

  • Whether the federal government launches a military response or pursues diplomatic channels.
  • The status of the African Union's mediation efforts and the position of international actors like the US and EU.
  • Further reports of drone strikes or troop movements in Tigray.
  • The impact on humanitarian access and civilian displacement.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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