Eritrean Soldiers Enter Ethiopian Towns Amid Renewed Fighting
A commander allied with Ethiopia's government claims Eritrean troops have entered two northern towns, while Tigrayan opposition forces reportedly withdraw from Shire.
Eritrean soldiers have entered two towns in northern Ethiopia, according to a commander allied with Ethiopia's government. The commander, Ermiyas Ababu of the Tigray Peace Force, stated that Eritrean personnel entered Adigrat on Tuesday and Idaga Hamus on Wednesday. He also reported that Eritrean military officers were conducting surveillance in Idaga Hamus.
Separately, the conflict monitoring group ACLED, through East Africa analyst Jalale Getachew Birru, reported that Eritrean troops crossed the border at Zelambesa on Wednesday and were targeted by Ethiopian military drones at Guada as they advanced toward Idaga Hamus. The Associated Press has not independently verified these accounts.
These developments occur amidst a resurgence of fighting between Ethiopian government forces and an opposition alliance that includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel has accused Ethiopia of fabricating allegations to justify military actions against Eritrea, calling it a "fallacious narrative of ‘self-defense.’" He did not directly address the reported troop movements or drone strikes.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently reiterated his country's need for access to the Red Sea, a coastline Ethiopia lost when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry has stated its commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement with its neighbors. Eritrea has previously denied allegations of supporting the TPLF.
In Shire, residents reported witnessing the withdrawal of TPLF forces earlier on Wednesday. Government troops and allied forces had not yet entered the town when these accounts were given. Shire, a significant refuge for those displaced by the conflict in Tigray and a hub for humanitarian aid, has seen businesses close and merchandise moved by residents fearing looting.
Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital, on Sunday, following the TPLF's announced withdrawal. The Tigray Peace Force, comprised of former TPLF armed wing members, has been working with Ethiopian federal troops to expand its control.
Last month, the TPLF joined an alliance with six other opposition groups aiming to unseat Prime Minister Abiy. The escalation of fighting late last month has cast a shadow over the November 2022 peace agreement that concluded a two-year war.