Ethiopian Forces Seize Adwa as Flights Resume to Mekelle Amid Tigray Conflict

Key points

• Federal forces and allied militia entered Adwa on Sunday, October 12, after TPLF fighters withdrew from the town, which is located roughly 40km from the Eritrean border.
• Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights from Addis Ababa to Mekelle on October 11, the first service since the airport was seized by a seven-group rebel alliance on September 23.
• Getachew Reda, a former Tigray leader and current adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, arrived in Mekelle with intelligence chief Redwan Hussein, promising 'visible change' to supporters.
• Residents reported looting of government institutions, including Adwa Hospital, and widespread fear of theft as shops remained closed and roads deserted.
• Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing the rebel alliance; Eritrea has denied involvement and severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, urging UN intervention.

Background

The current escalation follows the formation of the 'Alliance for Survival' on September 22, 2026, a coalition of seven armed groups including the TPLF and Fano militia aiming to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This conflict has shattered the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement that ended the 2020-2022 Tigray war. Recent developments include Eritrean troops entering northern Ethiopia and the severing of diplomatic ties between Addis Ababa and Asmara, as well as drone strikes on Addis Ababa claimed by opposition forces.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and Africanews emphasize the military advance into Adwa and the withdrawal of TPLF forces, highlighting local reports of looting and fear. AP News focuses on the political dimension, noting Getachew Reda's promise of 'visible change' and the resumption of flights as a sign of restored control. Business Insider Africa highlights the humanitarian and economic impact, noting that flights to Axum and Shire have not yet resumed, and that the reopening of the Mekelle route does not necessarily indicate the end of the security crisis. All sources agree on the timeline of the TPLF withdrawal and the resumption of flights but differ in emphasis on the political promises versus the ongoing instability.

Why it matters

The recapture of Adwa and Mekelle signals a significant shift in the balance of power in northern Ethiopia, potentially leading to further escalation with Eritrea. The resumption of flights is a critical step in restoring normalcy and connectivity, but the underlying tensions and accusations of foreign support for the rebels suggest the conflict may continue. The displacement of 150,000 people and the breakdown of the 2022 peace agreement highlight the severe humanitarian and political consequences of the ongoing conflict.

What to watch

Ethiopian forces may continue to advance towards other Tigray towns, potentially leading to further clashes with TPLF and allied groups. The resumption of flights to Axum and Shire is expected but not yet confirmed. International actors, including the UN and US, may increase pressure on all sides to end hostilities and resume dialogue. The political future of the region will depend on the implementation of the promised 'visible change' and the resolution of the accusations of foreign support for the rebels.