Witnesses Say TPLF Leaders and Fighters Leave Mekelle

A local journalist said on October 3 that TPLF leaders and fighters were leaving Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, as federal troops and allied militias approached. The journalist said federal forces had not yet been seen inside the city and that government offices and police stations were without security personnel. A resident expressed fear that government and public property could be looted as the forces approached. Another resident said the reported departures had raised fears of lawlessness and concern for personal safety.