Latest news on the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea

Addis Ababa (Caasimada Online) – The tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea has reached a new dangerous level, after it is believed that Ethiopian unmanned combat aircraft have carried out airstrikes against Eritrean forces that entered the Tigray region, amid growing concerns that the two countries may enter into direct conflict.

These airstrikes targeted military vehicles accompanied by Eritrean forces, which were departing from positions around the city of Adigrat, according to the conflict monitoring agency ACLED based in the United States.

Eritrean forces crossed the border between the two countries on Wednesday, advancing several kilometers into the Tigray region, but later began to retreat northward as they faced heavy airstrikes.

Witnesses reported on Wednesday that they saw Eritrean forces being transported in large vehicles, passing through the city of Adigrat, which is approximately 25 kilometers inside the Ethiopian border.

This marks the first confirmation of the presence of Eritrean forces in northern Ethiopia, since heavy fighting erupted last month between the Ethiopian federal government forces and a coalition of armed groups opposing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

Heavy airstrikes and retreat

The ACLED agency stated that the airstrikes targeted vehicles carrying troops and military supplies, as Eritrean forces were withdrawing from areas they had previously reached.

Two sources, a diplomat and a conflict expert, who are connected to both sides, told Reuters that they have received reports indicating that Eritrean forces have moved back north following heavy airstrikes carried out by Ethiopian planes.

However, it remains unclear whether those forces are completely withdrawing from Ethiopian territory or are regrouping in other areas within the country.

One resident of the town of Adigrat reported hearing three powerful explosions occurring in the northern part of the town at night.

A senior Ethiopian official, who requested anonymity, stated that Eritrea has one armored brigade and three infantry brigades in the Tigray region, each estimated to consist of 1,500 soldiers.

However, Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the numbers and information regarding those forces.

Ethiopia vows to defend itself

The Ethiopian government officially called on Eritrea on Thursday to withdraw its troops from its territory, insisting that it has the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos presented this request to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, during a meeting on Thursday.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the minister has requested the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopian territory, while affirming his country's right to defend its sovereignty and borders, in accordance with international law.

On the other hand, Eritrea has rejected Ethiopia's accusations, describing them as part of a plan by Addis Ababa to legitimize a war against its country.

Eritrea's Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, stated on Wednesday that the reports regarding Eritrean troops inside Ethiopia are part of a scheme to create a pretext for war.

The two countries severed their diplomatic ties last week after Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups fighting its government. Asmara has repeatedly denied these accusations.

The Red Sea Dispute and Fear of War

Tensions between the two countries have significantly escalated in recent months, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of planning a military assault to seize part of its Red Sea coastline.

Eritrea bases its concerns on the recurring statements of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has said that access to a maritime route is crucial for Ethiopia's security and economy.

Abiy insists that his government is seeking a maritime route through peaceful means, but his statements have raised strong concerns in Eritrea, particularly the possibility that Ethiopia may attempt to take control of the port of Assab.

The fighting that erupted last month in northern Ethiopia has become the most intense since the end of the Tigray civil war that lasted between 2020 and 2022.

The new conflict has heightened fears that internal strife in Ethiopia could escalate into a broader clash affecting the Horn of Africa, while the region is already grappling with the civil war in Sudan.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have a long history of conflict and military cooperation that has shifted back and forth.

Eritrea gained its independence in 1993, after a 30-year armed struggle. The two countries fought another bloody border war between 1998 and 2000.

Their relationship improved in 2018, when Abiy Ahmed reached a peace agreement with Eritrea, which later sent its troops to fight alongside the Ethiopian government in the Tigray war.

However, that relationship soured again at the end of the Tigray war, and the current tensions have raised concerns that the two formerly allied countries could return to direct conflict.