Eritrean Troops Spotted in Northern Ethiopia Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Eritrean soldiers have been observed driving through a northern town inside Ethiopia, according to witnesses who spoke with the Reuters news agency. This development comes just days after the neighboring countries severed diplomatic ties.

At least two witnesses reported seeing dozens of Eritrean soldiers traveling in two trucks through Adigrat on Wednesday. The town is situated 25km south of the border with Eritrea. Observers identified the soldiers by their distinctive off-white camouflage uniforms. Another Adigrat resident, who was absent at the time, stated that family members also reported seeing Eritrean troops, though Reuters could not independently verify these accounts.

Gebreigziabher Beyene, commander of the Tigray Peace Force—a pro-government militia fighting alongside the federal army—stated that the Eritrean army has entered Tigray in uniform and equipped with heavy weaponry. He noted that these forces are facing drone strikes, alleging that Eritrea is deliberately deploying its forces to shift the fighting inside Tigray rather than spilling into Eritrea.

Last week, the chief administrator in Ethiopia's northeastern Afar region claimed that Eritrean troops were fighting in the area, though Reuters could not confirm the report. In a statement posted on X, Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Meskel did not deny the border crossing, accusing the Ethiopian government instead of creating a fallacious narrative of self-defense to rationalize a war of aggression.

If verified, this marks the first sighting of Eritrean forces inside Ethiopia since fighting resumed on September 23 between Ethiopian forces and a seven-group armed alliance that includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the armed alliance, allegations that all three nations have denied.

The diplomatic rupture occurred after Eritrea announced it was cutting ties with Ethiopia following Addis Ababa's decision to close its embassy in Asmara and expel 10 Eritrean diplomats. Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these actions left it with no choice but to reciprocate.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian forces recently captured Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, after the TPLF withdrew and temporarily relocated its administration. The event coincided with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed being sworn in for a new five-year term, during which he emphasized the nation's need for access to the Red Sea. Concurrently, Eritrea joined Somalia, Sudan, and Egypt in signing a joint declaration advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, highlighting deepening divisions between Addis Ababa and its neighbors.