Residents in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat have reported that Eritrean soldiers have crossed into northern Ethiopia, heading towards an area where clashes have been taking place between national army troops and regional forces. The fighting in the region broke out two weeks ago after months of tension between the government and the party that controls Tigray, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides blame each other for violating a 2022 deal that ended a two-year civil war.
The conflict has sparked concerns of a wider regional conflict, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea of backing the TPLF, a claim Asmara has previously denied. Eritrea was a key ally of landlocked Ethiopia during the 2020-2022 war, fighting against the TPLF in what was one of the most deadly conflicts this century. However, relations between the two neighbors have since deteriorated largely over the Ethiopian prime minister's ambition to take ownership of one of Eritrea's Red Sea ports.
Over the weekend, TPLF forces withdrew from Tigray's main city of Mekelle, which is now under army control. The city is 115km south of Adigrat, where residents have reported seeing Eritrean troops moving towards central Tigray. Convoy after convoy of trucks carrying soldiers have been passing through Adigrat and heading toward Edaga Hamus, a town between Adigrat and Mekelle. One resident reported seeing about 40 trucks carrying soldiers, while another estimated up to 60 trucks carrying soldiers who were later deployed in mountainous terrain.
The reported return of Eritrean forces has sparked anxiety among many of Tigray's residents, with some recalling the atrocities allegedly committed by soldiers from Eritrea during the recent civil war. One Adigrat resident said that seeing Eritrean soldiers again was emotionally distressing, with memories still fresh. People are saddened to see them back again, and some have expressed concerns about the potential for further violence.
Sources in Wukro have told the BBC that national army soldiers and allied fighters had entered the town after an exchange of heavy weapons about 15km south of the town. Images circulating on social media appear to show heavily loaded military trucks carrying uniformed personnel towards Adigrat, Edaga Hamus, and possibly Wukro. However, the BBC has not independently verified the images.
A senior Ethiopian government official, Abraham Belay, has accused Eritrea of direct participation in the conflict, stating that the Eritrean army has participated with its full capacity and logistics. He also warned that Eritrea would face retaliation for its actions, saying that they would see what it means to enter the border of another country and fight alongside bandits.
The conflict in Tigray has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, with the BBC unable to report from Tigray and surrounding areas due to restrictions. Mobile phone connections and internet access have been restored to most areas since the military took over Mekelle, but the situation remains volatile. The international community is watching closely, as the conflict continues to escalate.
Key points
- Eritrean troops have moved deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region as fighting escalates between national army troops and regional forces.
- The conflict has sparked concerns of a wider regional conflict, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea of backing the TPLF.
- The reported return of Eritrean forces has sparked anxiety among many of Tigray's residents, with some recalling the atrocities allegedly committed by soldiers from Eritrea during the recent civil war.
