Ethiopian Army Enters Tigray Regional Capital Mekelle
Federal forces reached the regional capital following the withdrawal of the Tigray leadership. This development marks a significant turning point in the renewed clashes.
Federal army troops in Ethiopia entered the regional capital Mekelle following the decision of local authorities in the Tigray region to withdraw. This latest military movement highlights the scale of the recently escalated clashes between the central government and rebels in the north.
Military Advance in Mekelle
Ethiopian military units entered the city of Mekelle, the administrative center of the Tigray region, on Sunday. The withdrawal of local authorities from the city was noted as a notable development for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
Background of the Devastating War
The devastating war that began between the parties in 2020 and lasted for two years had led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. During this process, widespread human rights violations and allegations of sexual violence were also reported.
While the renewed clashes in the northern Tigray region caused global concern, they heightened fears that the crisis could turn into a regional war that might also draw in East Africa and Gulf countries.
Alliances and Reason for Withdrawal
The clashes are taking place between the Ethiopian National Defense Force in the center and the Tigray People's Liberation Front in the north. Last month, the T.P.L.F. formed the Survival Alliance together with six armed opposition groups with the aim of overthrowing the central government and reforming the constitution.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front announced that following the federal forces' capture of the Mekelle airport, they made the decision to temporarily leave the city on Saturday in order to protect the existence of the people and defend the region's sovereignty.
International Concerns
The ongoing clashes have brought international concerns that external powers such as Eritrea, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia might also intervene.
While diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia were severed, the United States Department of State called for restraint from both countries.