ADDIS ABABA, October 16, 2026 — Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an “all-out invasion” of its northern Tigray region, claiming Eritrean troops advanced up to 60 kilometres into Ethiopian territory and demanding their immediate withdrawal.
Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Invasion
Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos said the Eritrean advance constitutes a “blatant act of aggression” that engages Ethiopia’s inherent right to self-defence, according to a letter sent to the United Nations Security Council and shared with news agencies. The letter, dated Thursday and addressed to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, stated that the all-out invasion of parts of northern Ethiopia by Eritrea is a matter of public record. Ethiopia also announced it had closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country, marking the collapse of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Eritrea Denies Allegations and Counters Accusations
Eritrea’s Minister of Information Yemane Gebremeskel rejected Ethiopia’s claims, accusing the Ethiopian regime of pursuing an unprovoked war of aggression against Eritrea for more than three years. He stated that Asmara had shown restraint since landlocked Ethiopia had essentially declared war when it declared in 2023 its intent to gain access to the Red Sea. Gebremeskel cited Ethiopian officials’ statements, accusing Addis Ababa of using the current conflict to seize Assab, an Eritrean port, to restore Ethiopian access to the sea. Eritrea also denied Ethiopia’s claim that it is backing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which Ethiopia says has been attempting to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government since September.
Recent Fighting and Civilian Impact
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region has shattered a 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war. Human Rights Watch has received reports of civilians killed and injured by shelling in southern Tigray, though the group did not identify who carried out the attacks. Near the border, a resident reported that Eritrean soldiers withdrew from Fatsi, about 20 kilometers from the Ethiopian border town of Zalambessa. Ethiopian drone strikes reportedly targeted Eritrean forces in Adigrat, with witnesses describing destroyed lorries and retreating forces. The BBC could not verify casualty reports from Tigray due to access restrictions.
Historical Context and International Response
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and the two nations fought a border war from 1998 to 2000. Relations improved in 2018 when Abiy Ahmed took power in Addis Ababa, and Eritrea fought alongside Ethiopia against the TPLF during the 2020-2022 civil war. However, Eritrea was not part of the peace deal that ended that conflict, and ties have since deteriorated over Abiy’s pursuit of Red Sea access. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation in a call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, stating that all countries in the Horn of Africa must respect sovereignty and avoid cross-border incursions. Rubio said the region could not tolerate more conflict, according to a State Department statement.
Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Displacement
Human Rights Watch has documented reports of civilians killed and injured by shelling in southern Tigray, with shelling also forcing some health facilities to close. The organization has called for independent monitoring, restored communications, and safe humanitarian access to affected areas. These reports come amid renewed fighting that has shattered the 2022 peace agreement ending the devastating two-year war in the region.
Near the border, residents have reported Eritrean soldiers withdrawing from Fatsi, about 20 kilometers from the Ethiopian border town of Zalambessa, while Ethiopian federal forces later moved into the town. Witnesses described Ethiopian drone strikes targeting Eritrean forces in Adigrat, resulting in destroyed lorries and retreating forces, though the BBC could not independently verify casualty reports due to access restrictions in Tigray.
Sources
- Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse one another of launching war
- Rubio urges restraint over Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions, civilians killed
- Ethiopia warns Eritrea it will defend itself after troops enter Tigray
Photo: Prime Minister's Office of Ethiopia (Public domain)
