Pro-government forces say they retake airport in Ethiopia's Tigray region

Pro-government forces in Ethiopia’s Tigray region say they have retaken the main airport in Mekelle, the regional capital and an opposition stronghold. The Tigray Peace Forces militia, allied with the Ethiopian federal government, posted on X late Friday that it “t[ook] full control of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport” and was clearing Mekelle. Reuters could not independently verify the claim. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond. If confirmed, the move would be a major setback for an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which launched an offensive last week against the Ethiopian military. Analysts warn the fighting could widen into a broader regional conflict.