Brief
Tigray commander says drone strikes helped retake Mekelle as markets reopen
Ermiyas Ababu says his forces and the Ethiopian army used drones to expand control after the TPLF withdrew from the capital.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ermiyas Ababu, a commander of the Tigray Peace Force, told the Independent that drone strikes supported Ethiopian National Defense Force operations to reclaim territory in Tigray on Tuesday, as markets in Mekelle began to reopen following the TPLF’s announced pullout.
Ababu said his group is working with federal troops to expand control after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front announced its withdrawal from the regional capital over the weekend. He claimed his side is conducting drone strikes, though he did not clarify whether the drones belong to his militia or the federal army.
The commander also alleged that Eritrean troops are present in northern Tigray, a claim the Associated Press could not verify. Eritrea has denied any involvement and recently severed diplomatic ties after Ethiopia expelled ten Eritrean diplomats.
In Mekelle, Ababu said his fighters and federal soldiers have established control and are policing the city to prevent looting. Residents reported a tentative revival of commerce, with pedestrians and motorized rickshaws back on the streets, but noted limited supplies and cash shortages. "The market has resumed, but for everyone to gain confidence, all markets need to open fully," said local resident Ahmedin Mohammed.
Key facts
- Ermiyas Ababu said drone strikes aided federal forces in retaking Mekelle. (independent.co.uk)
- The TPLF announced its withdrawal from Mekelle over the weekend. (independent.co.uk)
- Residents reported markets reopening but limited supplies and cash. (independent.co.uk)
- Eritrea denied involvement in the conflict and cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Ethiopian commander reports drone strikes in Tigray as markets reopen in regional capital”
