In brief
Ethiopia has formally accused Eritrea of an all‑out invasion of its Tigray region, citing a recent letter to the UN Security Council that frames the incursion as a blatant act of aggression. Eritrea’s response labels Ethiopia’s stance as an unprovoked war of aggression, and both nations blame each other for violating a 2022 peace deal that ended a two‑year civil war. Tensions have intensified with reports of Eritrean forces advancing 60 km into Tigray, prompting Ethiopian drone strikes that allegedly destroyed Eritrean logistical vehicles. Diplomatic ties were severed last week, raising fears the conflict could spill into wider regional hostilities in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an “all‑out invasion” of its northern Tigray region, pledging to defend itself as troops reportedly cross the border.
In a letter sent to the UN Security Council, Ethiopia’s foreign minister framed the incursion as a “blatant act of aggression” that triggers the country’s “inherent right to self‑defence.” Eritrea’s Information Minister countered, describing Ethiopia’s own escalation as an unprovoked war of aggression.
The dispute comes amid a renewed war between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), each side blaming the other for violating a 2022 peace deal that ended a two‑year civil war. Ethiopia alleges Eritrean backing for the TPLF, a claim Eritrea denies, citing their historic alliance that ended once Ethiopia’s prime minister sought control of an Eritrean Red Sea port.
Recent reports claim that Eritrean forces advanced 60 km (37 miles) into Tigray, prompting Ethiopian drones to strike in the town of Adigrat and allegedly destroying several Eritrean logistical vehicles. Some witnesses say the Eritrean troops are now retreating north after the strikes, while official figures on casualties remain unverified.
With diplomatic ties severed last week and tensions exceeding the border, observers fear the fighting could spill over into wider regional conflict. The situation remains fluid as the two nations confront their shared history and mutual ambitions in the Horn of Africa.
