Ethiopia Says It Could Reenter Seized Tigrayan Capital if Needed

An Ethiopian government spokesman said Wednesday that the Ethiopian army could reenter Tigray’s regional capital of Mekelle within weeks, if necessary.

Redwan Hussein, spokesman for Ethiopia's task force for Tigray, made the announcement to reporters in the government’s first public remarks since the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of Mekelle earlier this week. “If it is required, we can easily enter to Mekelle, and we can enter in less than three weeks,” Redwan said. The Ethiopian government announced a cease-fire on state media late Monday, saying it would take effect immediately after nearly eight months of conflict in the region and as troops of Tigray’s former governing party entered Mekelle, prompting cheers from residents.