Multiple witnesses told Reuters they observed Eritrean soldiers traveling through Adigrat, a town approximately 25 kilometers south of the Eritrean border, on Wednesday. The soldiers reportedly traveled in two trucks and were identified by their distinctive off-white camouflage uniforms. Reuters was unable to independently verify these accounts, though additional residents claimed to have received similar reports from family members.
The alleged incursion follows escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two countries announced the severance of diplomatic relations on Thursday, with Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating it had been left with “no option but to reciprocate in kind” after Ethiopia announced plans to close its embassy in Asmara and expel ten Eritrean diplomats. Gebreigziabher Beyene, commander of the Tigray Peace Force militia, characterized the Eritrean military presence as a deliberate strategy to contain fighting within Tigray rather than allowing conflict to spread into Eritrean territory.
The reported troop movement occurs amid broader conflict in the region. Fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and a seven-group armed alliance, which includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, resumed on September 23. Ethiopian forces captured Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, earlier this week, prompting the TPLF to confirm its withdrawal and relocation of regional administration elsewhere. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the armed alliance, allegations all three nations have denied.
Eritrea’s government statement did not directly address claims about troops crossing the border, instead accusing Ethiopia of pursuing “a war of aggression” under the guise of self-defense. Simultaneously, Eritrea joined Somalia, Sudan, and Egypt in issuing a joint declaration calling for political and peaceful resolution to the Ethiopian conflict, signaling potential divisions between Ethiopia and its regional neighbors regarding the ongoing military situation.
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