Ethiopian government forces say they have recaptured the airport in Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region. Three sources told Reuters on Saturday that federal troops now control Alula Aba Nega Airport.

A pro-government militia posted on X late on Friday that it had taken full control of the airport. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim.

An Ethiopian general told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the military is in full control of the airport. The AFP news agency, citing a humanitarian source, reported that rebel groups were leaving the city as government forces moved in.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized the airport on September 23 and launched attacks in neighbouring Amhara and Afar. The fighting is the worst outbreak of violence since a bloody civil war ended in 2022, a conflict in which more than 600,000 people were killed.

Neither side has issued an official statement on who controls Mekelle. Reporting is complicated by communication blackouts and restricted media access.

The United States has urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise restraint. Ethiopia severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea this week, accusing it of backing the rebels. Eritrea denies the charge.