a radio station in the regional capital, Mekelle, amid growing fears of a fresh conflict.

It follows a deepening power struggle within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has raised concerns of a return to civil war.

One Mekelle resident told the BBC that people were withdrawing money from their bank accounts, fearing the security situation could deteriorate.

Last Tuesday, the same faction took control of Adigrat, Tigray's second-largest city.

Getachew Reda, president of Tigray's interim administration, has accused the rival group, led by Debretsion Gebremichael, of attempting to forcefully remove him from office.

Getachew became Tigray's leader following a 2022 peace deal which ended two years of conflict in the region, which killed an estimated 500,000 people.

Debretsion Gebremichael was previously the region's leader but over the past year, relations have soured with the man who replaced him.

On Thursday, members of Debretsion's faction accompanied by armed soldiers took control of Mekelle FM radio station and the mayor's office in the city.

Gunshots were heard last Wednesday night in Adi-Gudem, a town near Mekelle, when forces from the dissident faction attempted to occupy a government building.

The forces reportedly arrested the town's mayor and took control of the office.

Getachew has suspended three generals of the Tigray Defense Forces, accusing the rival faction of trying to destabilise the region.

Last Wednesday, Getachew asked the Ethiopian government to "provide necessary assistance", without specifying the kind of support.

He is currently in the country's capital Addis Ababa for "consultations with the federal authorities" but he told the BBC that he intends to return to Tigray.

Federal authorities in Ethiopia have not yet commented.