Phone and Internet Services Restored in Mekelle and Surrounding Areas

Phone and internet services have been restored in the Tigray region's capital, Mekelle, and surrounding areas such as Wukro after days of total blackout, residents confirmed to the BBC. The communication services were disrupted following the escalation of fighting between the federal government and TPLF forces. The restoration of network coverage occurred after federal forces and aligned units took control of Mekelle over the weekend. Following the federal forces' entry, TPLF leadership issued a statement announcing a "temporary" withdrawal from the city to minimize civilian casualties and allow administration to continue from elsewhere. During the ten-day blackout, residents experienced severe financial stress due to the disruption of mobile money transfers, which are now expected to resume. Prior to the network restoration, political figures and media reports alleged that TPLF leadership had purposefully shut down telecom infrastructure during the conflict. Local residents noted that combined security efforts have helped stabilize the city and deter looting of government institutions after the transition of control.