Ethiopian federal troops have recaptured the historic town of Lalibela which had been under Tigrayan rebel forces control for months, officials say.

The government’s communication service said the town had been cleared of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters and that it was now fully under the control of federal troops. The federal forces are also marching on the town of Sekota, the statement added.

The TPLF said it had made a “strategic withdrawal” from certain areas.

The town of Lalibela, located in the north Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, is 310 km east of Bahir Dar, the region’s capital, and 348 km south of Mekele, the capital of Tigray region.

Lalibela, home to ancient rock-hewn churches, is one of the largest towns in the north Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region and a popular tourist destination.

Conflict that began in the Tigray region a year ago spread into Afar and Amhara regions in June amid advances by Tigrayan forces who have threatened to march on the capital.

After the takeover of Dessie and Kombolcha, two key towns in South Wollo,  TPLF fighters were making new gains on a daily basis.

The fighting intensified last week to liberate towns seized by the TPLF after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced he would head to the battlefield to lead military operations. Since last Saturday, government forces have recaptured key towns that have been under TPLF control, such as Shewa Robit, Molale, Mezezo, Gashena, government spokesman Legesse Tulu said.

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