Militant forces aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized the main airport in northern Ethiopia on Saturday, according to local residents who spoke to the BBC.
What happened
Witnesses said Tigray fighters entered the airport after confronting police units stationed there. The police reportedly withdrew without a fight. The airport, a key logistics hub for the region, was taken without reported casualties.
Why it matters
The capture comes as the federal government and the TPLF intensify their political dispute. Analysts note that control of the airport could give Tigray forces a strategic advantage for moving supplies and personnel. The Ethiopian government has not yet commented publicly, but officials have warned of a possible escalation toward renewed armed conflict in the north.
Outlook
International observers are monitoring the situation for signs of a broader resurgence of fighting. The next steps of both the federal authorities and Tigray leaders will shape whether the incident remains isolated or triggers wider hostilities. Watch for official statements from Addis Ababa and any movements of troops near the airport in the coming days.