Humanitarian Source Reports Ethiopian Federal and Allied Forces Inside Mekelle

A humanitarian source said late on October 3 that Ethiopian federal and allied forces had reportedly been observed at several locations inside Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, citing staff on the ground. The accounts followed earlier reports that TPLF leaders and fighters were leaving the city while federal troops had not yet been seen inside it. Local journalists also reviewed footage showing armed personnel and military vehicles near Axum Hotel, but could not identify every unit or establish how much of the city they controlled. Telecommunications disruptions have complicated verification, and Ethiopian government spokespeople had not responded to requests for comment.