Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of sending troops into its northern Tigray region, warning that it is prepared to defend its sovereignty amid escalating tensions and renewed fighting in the region.
In a letter sent to the United Nations Security Council on 8 October, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos accused Eritrea of violating Ethiopia’s territorial integrity, alleging that Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60 kilometres into Tigray.
Timothewos described the alleged incursion as a “blatant act of aggression” and said it engaged Ethiopia’s inherent right to self-defence.
The accusations come amid renewed clashes between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides have accused each other of violating the 2022 agreement that ended the civil war in Tigray.
Ethiopia has also accused Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim rejected by the Eritrean government.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS DEEPEN
Relations between the neighbouring countries have deteriorated amid disagreements over access to the Red Sea. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has pursued access to a seaport, including through discussions concerning Eritrean ports, a position that has heightened tensions between the two governments.
The two countries severed diplomatic ties last week, according to the report.
Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel rejected Ethiopia’s allegations, accusing its neighbour of waging what he described as an “unprovoked war of aggression” against Eritrea.
The competing accusations have added to concerns about a possible escalation beyond the renewed fighting in Tigray.
DRONE STRIKES REPORTED IN TIGRAY
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Ethiopian drone strikes targeted Eritrean forces in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that Eritrean troops and ammunition in the town were hit by multiple drone strikes.
Witnesses also reported damage to Eritrean military lorries and said some Eritrean forces appeared to be withdrawing northwards. However, there have been no independently verified reports of casualties.
FEARS OF A WIDER REGIONAL CONFLICT
Ethiopia has called for international support while Eritrea continues to reject the allegations against it.
The situation remains unresolved, with renewed fighting in Tigray, worsening diplomatic relations and competing military accusations raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The extent of Eritrean troop movements and the full impact of the reported drone strikes remain unclear.
