A militia allied to Ethiopia’s federal government says it has retaken the main airport in Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region.

The Tigray Peace Forces militia posted on X late Friday that it had taken full control of the Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport. It said its fighters were clearing the city of Mekelle.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the claim. The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to a request for comment. The TPLF could not be reached either.

If true, the capture would be a major setback for the opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The TPLF launched a big offensive against the Ethiopian military last week.

The fighting is the worst escalation since the 2020-2022 civil war. Analysts warn it could widen into a wider regional conflict involving Eritrea and Egypt.

The TPLF and six other armed groups recently formed an alliance aimed at overthrowing the government. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum. The African Union has urged all sides to show maximum restraint as tensions rise.