Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of "All-Out Invasion" in Tigray

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an "all-out invasion" of its northern Tigray region, warning it will defend itself. This accusation follows reports from residents to the BBC that Eritrean troops had crossed into the country days prior. Ethiopia's foreign minister formally communicated this stance in a letter to the UN Security Council, describing Eritrea's actions as a "blatant act of aggression that engages Ethiopia's inherent right to self-defence," amid reported drone strikes targeting Eritrean forces within Tigray.

Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel countered, stating that Eritrea faces "an unprovoked war of aggression" from its neighbour. The renewed hostilities emerge two weeks after fighting erupted between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the party controlling Tigray. Both sides blame each other for violating a 2022 agreement that ended their civil war. Ethiopia claims Eritrea supports the TPLF, a charge Eritrea denies. During the two-year civil war, Eritrea had been a key ally of the Ethiopian government, fighting alongside them against the TPLF.

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated, particularly over the Ethiopian prime minister's reported ambition to acquire one of Eritrea's Red Sea ports, leading to the severing of diplomatic ties last week. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos accused Eritrea of sovereignty violations, stating that Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60km (37 miles) into Tigray. Ethiopian drone strikes reportedly targeted Eritrean forces in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

US-based conflict monitor Acled reported that "Eritrean troops and ammunition" in Adigrat were hit by "multiple drone strikes" overnight. A resident told AFP news agency of "many, many drone strikes," with some Eritrean lorries reportedly destroyed. Another witness indicated to AFP that Eritrean forces appeared to be retreating north after these strikes. Ethiopia's letter to the UN Security Council, dated 8 October, appealed for "understanding, support, and solidarity" in its defence.

Eritrea, however, places blame on Ethiopia's leaders, alleging they are seeking a pretext to seize Eritrean territory. On Friday, Eritrea's information minister denounced the accusations as "duplicity in their most extreme forms," and stated on X that Ethiopia was "openly working to bring about regime change in Eritrea by providing shelter and support to certain mercenaries who claim to be opposition." Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, with ties normalized only in 2018 under Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This latest unrest follows months of tension and the formation of a new alliance of armed groups in Ethiopia, including the TPLF, in September. Last week, TPLF forces withdrew from Mekelle, Tigray's main city, which is 115km (71 miles) south of Adigrat and is now under army control.

What to watch: The UN Security Council's response to Ethiopia's appeal and the movement of forces on the ground.

Editor's note: Well-structured report that captures the geopolitical tensions, the UN letter, and the details of the drone strikes effectively.