Ethiopian federal forces have recaptured the main airport in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, according to multiple sources.

A pro-government militia, the Tigray Peace Forces, posted on X late Friday that it had taken full control of the Alula Aba Nega Airport. Three sources later confirmed the recapture to Reuters.

The airport, about 10 km from Mekelle’s city centre, was one of three seized by opposition forces when fighting broke out on September 23. Mekelle’s airport is the region’s most important.

The recapture is a major setback for an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The alliance launched a large offensive against the Ethiopian military last week.

The fighting is the worst escalation since Ethiopia’s 2020-2022 civil war. Analysts fear it could spread into a wider regional conflict.

In Washington, the US State Department urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to “exercise maximum restraint.” Ethiopia severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea this week, accusing it of backing the rebels, which Eritrea denies.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims. The TPLF could not be reached for comment.