World · Africa · 2 days ago
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of invasion as drone strikes hit troops in Tigray
Ethiopia says Eritrean troops crossed into its northern Tigray region and calls the move an invasion.
Ethiopian government drones struck Eritrean forces near Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a conflict monitor and witnesses.
The fighting comes as Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front have clashed again, after a 2022 deal ended their civil war.
Both sides accuse the other of breaking that deal, and Ethiopia says Eritrea is supporting the TPLF; Eritrea denies Ethiopia’s accusations.
Eritrea fought alongside Ethiopia’s government during the previous civil war, but relations have since worsened.
One major source of tension is Ethiopia’s push for access to the Red Sea, including its interest in Eritrean ports.
Ethiopia says it will defend its sovereignty, while Eritrea says Ethiopia is preparing aggression against it.
There are fears the fighting could spread into a regional war, and there have been no verified reports of casualties.
Ethiopia accused Eritrea of an “all-out invasion” after Eritrean troops reportedly crossed into the Tigray region.
Ethiopia said Eritrean forces had advanced as far as 60km into Tigray and warned it would defend itself.
Ethiopian government drones reportedly struck Eritrean forces near Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday.
Eritrea’s information minister rejected Ethiopia’s account, saying Eritrea faced an unprovoked war of aggression.
The accusations come amid renewed fighting between Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and strained relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- Who
- Ethiopia and Eritrea, with fighting also involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
- What
- Ethiopia accused Eritrea of sending troops into Tigray and said it would defend itself. Eritrean forces were reportedly targeted by Ethiopian drone strikes.
- When
- Troops reportedly crossed on Wednesday; drone strikes were reported on Wednesday and Thursday. Ethiopia’s accusation was reported on 9 October 2026.
- Where
- Tigray, northern Ethiopia, including the town of Adigrat.
- Why
- Ethiopia said Eritrea violated its sovereignty and was backing the TPLF. Eritrea said Ethiopia was making allegations to justify aggression linked to its pursuit of Red Sea access.
Ethiopia
Eritrea
Troop presence in Tigray
Ethiopia
Ethiopia said Eritrean forces crossed the border and advanced into Tigray.
Eritrea
Eritrea’s information minister did not explicitly confirm or deny the presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia.
Responsibility for the crisis
Ethiopia
Ethiopia accused Eritrea of aggression and said it was backing the TPLF.
Eritrea
Eritrea said Ethiopia was making allegations to repackage its plan for war as self-defence.
blatant act of aggression that engages Ethiopia's inherent right to self-defence
an unprovoked war of aggression
We are not in the business of refuting wild allegations or narratives.
Ethiopia stands ready to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core national interests, while urging all regional actors to address shared challenges through constructive dialogue, partnership, and adherence to the principles of good neighbourliness rather than confrontation and zero-sum approaches.
The TPLF launched an offensive against the Ethiopian government, according to the Guardian.
The Tigray Peace Force took over Mekelle after the TPLF withdrew from the city, according to the Guardian.
Civilian witnesses and other sources said Eritrean troops crossed into Tigray and reached Adigrat.
Acled said Ethiopian government drones targeted Eritrean forces.
The BBC reported Ethiopia’s accusation of an “all-out invasion” and its warning that it would defend itself.
- Reported Eritrean advance
- Up to 60km into Tigray, according to Ethiopia
- Reported entry point
- Adigrat, Tigray
- Reported troop movement
- Military vehicles crossed from Eritrea into Tigray on Wednesday
- Reported drone strikes
- Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, according to Acled
- TPLF offensive
- 23 September
- Mekelle taken by Tigray Peace Force
- 4 October
Sources
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