Rebel forces in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region have announced they have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, as fighting with the national army moves toward the city.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) said the move was made to protect civilians from the looming clash.
Residents in Mekelle say pro‑government forces now control the city and the TPLF fighters have abandoned it; mobile phone service has reportedly returned in parts of the city.
The shift marks a major turn in a war that began in 2020, has killed around 600,000 people and threatened to destabilise the entire Horn of Africa.
The U.S. State Department urged restraint and dialogue as regional leaders meet in Egypt, and the UN warned that humanitarian operations are being severely disrupted.
