Ethiopian drones strike Eritrean forces in northern Tigray

Eyewitnesses and conflict monitoring groups reported that Ethiopian drones conducted multiple overnight airstrikes targeting Eritrean military units stationed in a city within the northern Tigray region. The attacks mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighboring nations.

Diplomatic ties severed recently

The recent violence follows a sharp decline in bilateral relations, culminating in the severance of diplomatic ties by both countries last week. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting rebel factions operating within its borders.

Historical context reveals deep-seated friction; the two nations fought a border war from 1998 to 2000. Although Eritrea previously allied with Ethiopia during the civil war against the Tigray People's Liberation Front from 2020 to 2022, the partnership quickly fractured.

Accusations and strategic fears

Adis Ababa alleges that Asmara is backing the TPLF rebels. This accusation arises amid Eritrean concerns that landlocked Ethiopia may be planning territorial incursions to secure direct access to the Red Sea.

Sources indicated on Wednesday that Eritrean forces had deployed around Adigrat, a city situated near the Eritrean border. This development occurred after the Ethiopian army successfully repelled Tigrayan insurgents.

ACLED confirms drone hits

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) confirmed that Adigrat suffered "several drone strikes" specifically aimed at "Eritrean forces and munitions."

An eyewitness speaking to Agence France-Presse described witnessing a "very large number of drone strikes." The source noted that several Eritrean trucks were destroyed and subsequently removed from the streets.