Joint Ethiopian Defense Forces and the Tigray Peace Force have secured control of Mekelle and its surrounding critical infrastructure following a major tactical shift and the retreat of TPLF forces, according to multiple media reports. The coordinated operation has successfully established control over Mekelle Airport as well as all four strategic entrance routes into the regional capital—Kuiha, Samre, Tembien, and Adigrat.
The advance follows a widespread withdrawal of TPLF troops from key regional strongholds, including Alamata, Korem, and Tembien. Reports indicate that retreating forces have departed Mekelle and are primarily moving toward northwestern areas, including Axum and Shire. Meanwhile, the Afar Regional Government has issued a statement confirming that areas previously held during the conflict have been liberated. The federal government, however, has not yet issued an official public statement regarding the rapidly developing situation.
Amid the power transition, senior former leaders of the Tigray Interim Administration—including Lt. General Tadesse Worede, Colonel Tewelde Gebretinsae, and Ato Isaias Tadesse—were relocated by armed personnel. After being confined to their residences for 18 hours, they were briefly moved to Mekelle’s “HZ Hotel” before being forcibly taken to an undisclosed location toward Adigrat in the early hours of September 23. Reports reveal that these leaders had previously resisted efforts by departing TPLF officials to take them along, explicitly refusing to leave the city.
The dynamic shift in regional control has raised immediate public safety concerns regarding municipal infrastructure and government facilities. Local sources report instances of looting at various administrative offices following the evacuation of prior authorities. In response, local residents and members of the Semayawi (Simret) Party have issued widespread public calls for community-led vigilance to protect public assets, safeguard neighborhoods, and preserve public order during the operational transition.
As security forces work to consolidate control over the regional capital, local observers and humanitarian agencies remain attentive to the stability of basic services and community safety across northern Ethiopia. The situation remains fluid as authorities establish administrative oversight across newly secured key corridors.