Ethiopian gov’t forces advance in Tigray as rebels retreat: What to know

Ethiopian military and pro-government forces recaptured Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle after over a week of intense fighting. The conflict, which began last week between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has shattered the Pretoria Agreement signed in November 2022. Witnesses reported TPLF fighters abandoning their posts and leaving Mekelle, with looting of government facilities taking place in the city.