Ethiopian federal forces and pro-government militias have recaptured the main airport in Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, from Tigrayan rebels, according to local sources. Rebels have been observed withdrawing from the city. The airport, located about 10 kilometers from Mekelle city center, was one of three airports seized by rebels when the conflict erupted on September 23. This escalation of the conflict has led to drone strikes, increased forced conscription, and damage to civilian infrastructure, and has been accused of involving external powers such as Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt, potentially triggering regional tensions.