The Ethiopian Press Agency said the raids hit media and communications equipment in the city used by the TPLF, adding that "measures to prevent civilian casualties during the air strikes were done successfully".

"The air strikes hit media and Information Network Security Agency (INSA) towers and equipment (and) were completed successfully," the agency said.

Earlier, a government spokesman had branded reports about the bombardments an "absolute lie", saying: "There is no reason that the Ethiopian air force would strike Mekele."

A hospital official in the city had said three people, including two children, had been killed in the air raids.