Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Invasion as Drone Strikes Hit Tigray Region

Ethiopia has formally accused Eritrea of launching an “all-out invasion” into its northern Tigray region, asserting its inherent right to self-defense. The diplomatic escalation occurred shortly after residents reported that Eritrean troops had crossed the border, prompting Addis Ababa to send a letter to the UN Security Council describing the move as a blatant act of aggression.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos stated that Eritrean forces had advanced approximately 60km (37 miles) into Tigrayan territory. In response to the alleged incursion, Ethiopian drone strikes reportedly targeted Eritrean military positions in the town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday. Conflict monitor ACLED confirmed that Eritrean troops and ammunition were hit by multiple overnight strikes, with witnesses reporting destroyed lorries and a subsequent northward retreat of Eritrean forces.

The incident marks a severe deterioration in relations between the two nations, which had previously been allies during Ethiopia’s two-year civil war. Ties were severed last week, largely due to disputes over Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ambition to secure access to an Eritrean Red Sea port. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and diplomatic relations were only normalized in 2018.

Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Information Minister, rejected the accusations, claiming his country is facing an “unprovoked war of aggression.” He alleged that Ethiopia is engaging in “duplicity” and openly working toward regime change in Asmara by sheltering mercenaries posing as opposition members. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea blame each other for violating the 2022 peace deal that ended the prior civil war.

Military control of the region has shifted rapidly in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, fighting broke out between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Last week, TPLF forces withdrew from Mekelle, Tigray’s main city located 115km (71 miles) south of Adigrat. Ethiopian National Defense Force troops have since taken control of Mekelle, including the area around the Alula Aba Nega International Airport.

Ethiopia’s letter to the UN, dated October 8, stated that the country is left with no choice but to defend itself and called on Security Council members for understanding and solidarity. The unrest follows the launch of a new alliance of armed groups in Ethiopia, including the TPLF, in September, adding to months of regional tension.