Eritrean Troops Reportedly Advance into Ethiopia's Tigray Region Amid Renewed Clashes

Eritrean soldiers have crossed into northern Ethiopia, moving towards an area experiencing clashes between national army troops and regional forces, according to residents in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat. Fighting in the region began two weeks ago following months of tension between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), with both sides accusing each other of violating a 2022 peace deal that concluded a two-year civil war. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim that Eritrea has denied. The recent unrest follows the formation of a new alliance of armed groups in Ethiopia, which includes the TPLF. Over the weekend, TPLF forces withdrew from Mekelle, Tigray's main city, which is now under army control. Eritrea was a significant ally of Ethiopia during the 2020-2022 conflict, but relations have soured over the Ethiopian prime minister's ambitions regarding Eritrea's Red Sea ports. Last week, the two countries severed diplomatic ties amid fears of a wider regional conflict. Reports indicate that Eritrean troops have moved from the border town of Zalambessa towards central Tigray, with convoys seen passing through Adigrat and heading towards Edaga Hamus. One resident reported seeing approximately 40 trucks carrying soldiers moving south. Additional reports noted troop movements at night, with trucks displaying Eritrean registration plates. Some residents reported seeing heavy weapons and troops moving on foot. A source in Mekelle mentioned that relatives in Adigrat observed larger troop movements, estimating up to 60 trucks carrying soldiers deployed in mountainous terrain near Edaga Hamus. Images circulating on social media purportedly show military trucks transporting personnel towards key towns in the region, although the BBC has not independently verified these images. Sources in Wukro reported that national army soldiers and allied fighters entered the town following heavy weapon exchanges. The return of Eritrean forces has caused anxiety among Tigray residents, with some recalling past atrocities committed during the civil war. A resident expressed emotional distress at the sight of Eritrean soldiers, stating that memories of the past conflict remain vivid. Another resident reported drone strikes occurring nearby, targeting soldiers. Ethiopian government official Abraham Belay accused Eritrea of direct involvement in the conflict, stating that the Eritrean army has engaged fully and that many soldiers have been killed or captured. He warned of severe retaliation for Eritrea's actions.