France, Oct. 3 -- Fighting erupted on 23 September as the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched attacks into neighbouring states, raising fears of a return to all-out conflict.

But federal forces and pro-government militias have pushed them back and are heading north towards the regional capital, Mekelle, witnesses told French news agency AFP.

"TPLF militants and leaders are leaving Mekelle," a local journalist said. Federal forces had not yet been seen inside the city, an opposition stronghold.

Government offices and police stations were left without security personnel, residents said.

"I am concerned that government and public property could be exposed to looting because there are no security forces in the city," on...