In brief
Eritrean soldiers have crossed into northern Ethiopia, advancing toward clashes between Ethiopian army troops and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Residents in Adigrat report large convoys of 40‑60 trucks, some carrying heavy weaponry, moving south toward Edaga Hamus and Wukro. Ethiopia and Eritrea, once allies in the 2020‑22 civil war, have severed diplomatic ties, heightening tensions over control of a Red Sea port and the threat of regional escalation. The return of Eritrean troops has provoked emotional distress among locals who recall wartime atrocities, while government officials accuse Eritrea of direct participation. The situation remains fluid as the Ethiopian government seeks to bolster its control of Mekelle and deter further spill‑over.
Eritrean forces have crossed the Bonke border into northern Ethiopia, with residents in the town of Adigrat reporting 40‑60 heavily‑laden trucks moving south toward the strategic crossroads of Edaga Hamus and Wukro. The convoy, carrying soldiers and heavy weapons, has been observed by locals and social‑media footage showing uniformed troops riding in pick‑up trucks.
The movement comes after a brief pause in fighting between Ethiopia’s national army and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) surrounding Mekelle. The TPLF recently retreated from Mekelle, leaving the government forces in control, but tensions remain high as Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties over disputes related to a Red Sea port.
Eritrea, once a key ally of Ethiopia in the 2020‑22 war, is accused of re‑engaging in the conflict. Government officials blame Eritrean participation for the resurgence of hostilities, while residents in Tigray recall atrocities committed by Eritrean soldiers during the civil war, adding an emotional layer to the current crisis.
The return of Eritrean troops has stirred anxiety and fear that the conflict could spill beyond Tigray’s borders, threatening wider regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The situation remains fluid, with unknown troop strengths and objectives.
