The Ethiopian government has formally accused Eritrea of launching an "all-out invasion" of its northern Tigray region, prompting a stern warning from Addis Ababa that it will take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty. In a letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council, Ethiopia's foreign minister, Gedion Timothewos, described the movement of Eritrean forces—reportedly advancing up to 60km into Ethiopian territory—as a "blatant act of aggression."
Reports of the border breach emerged after residents in the region witnessed Eritrean soldiers crossing into the country. Tensions manifested in physical clashes, with drone strikes reportedly targeting Eritrean positions in the town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the US-based conflict monitor Acled, multiple strikes hit military vehicles and personnel, while witnesses described seeing Eritrean forces appearing to retreat toward the north following the aerial engagement.
The diplomatic fallout has been swift, with Ethiopia severing diplomatic ties with its neighbour last week. The current hostilities mark a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations, which were once key allies during the two-year civil war against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Eritrea has vehemently denied the allegations of supporting the TPLF, instead accusing Ethiopian leadership of orchestrating an "unprovoked war of aggression" and attempting to pursue regime change in Asmara.
This latest surge in violence follows months of rising friction, reportedly linked to ambitions regarding Red Sea port access and the formation of new alliances among armed groups in Ethiopia. As both nations continue to trade accusations of duplicity and territorial ambition, concerns are mounting over the potential for a wider regional conflict. Ethiopia has appealed to the international community for support, stating that it is left with no option but to defend its borders against the incursion.
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