Eritrean troops have been spotted in the town of Adigrat, located in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, according to local officials and residents. The deployment comes after two weeks of internal conflict between the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian federal forces. The conflict has raised fears of a return to the devastating civil war of 2020-2022. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of backing the rebels, further straining relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Ethiopian army has made significant gains in the conflict, pushing back the Tigrayan rebels with the help of local militias. The army entered the regional capital of Mekelle over the weekend without a fight, as the TPLF abandoned the city. However, the deployment of Eritrean troops has added a new layer of complexity to the conflict. Analysts say Eritrea is keen to prevent the war from spilling into its territory, should the TPLF be forced to retreat across the border.
According to Gebreigziabher Beyene, commander of the Tigray Peace Force, the Eritrean army has entered Tigray in uniform, equipped with heavy weaponry. He stated that the Eritrean forces are being struck by drones and are deliberately deploying their forces to keep the fighting contained within Tigray. This development has raised concerns among locals, with a local official stating that the population is very concerned about the presence of Eritrean troops.
Eyewitnesses have reported seeing Eritrean soldiers on the streets of Adigrat, heading southwards. The troops were seen patrolling in large trucks, pickup vehicles, and other vehicles, carrying heavy weaponry. Insecurity has also been reported to the west of Mekelle, with drone strikes over the weekend killing several civilians and wounding four others in the town of Adwa.
The conflict has also led to a deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two countries had improved relations with the rise of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018, but tensions have increased since the 2020-2022 civil war. Eritrea fears that landlocked Ethiopia plans to invade to seize direct access to the Red Sea. Earlier this month, Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and shut its embassy in Asmara, while Eritrea responded by severing all diplomatic ties.
Regional expert Kjetil Tronvoll, of Oslo New University College, stated that for Eritrea, it is essential to maintain strategic depth and a buffer zone in northern Tigray. He added that Eritrea wants to meet and fight the Ethiopian army on Tigrayan soil, rather than on its own territory. This development has raised concerns of a wider regional war, with analysts warning that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries.
The situation in Tigray remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and airstrikes reported in the region. The deployment of Eritrean troops has added a new layer of complexity to the conflict, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The international community has expressed concern over the conflict, with calls for a ceasefire and negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Key points
- Eritrean troops have deployed in Ethiopia's Tigray region, sparking concerns of a wider regional war.
- The conflict has led to a deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with both countries severing diplomatic ties.
- Analysts warn that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries, with Eritrea keen to prevent the war from entering its territory.
