Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Invasion After Border Incursion

Fri Oct 09 2026 22:14:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ethiopia warns it will defend itself after Eritrean troops cross the Tigray border, ending diplomatic ties as tensions rise.

Ethiopian officials have accused Eritrean forces of an all‑out invasion of the northern Tigray region, demanding the UN Security Council support. Drone strikes on Eritrean units in Adigrat reportedly inflicted heavy damage, sparking fears of a wider regional war. Tensions have escalated after Ethiopia severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea over disputed Red Sea ports. The conflict risks reigniting violent clashes between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which opposes the ruling regime.

Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Invasion After Border Incursion

Ethiopia’s foreign minister has described recent movements by Eritrean troops across the northern border as a blatant act of aggression, urging the UN Security Council to support Ethiopia’s right to self‑defence.

In a letter delivered to the council, Addis Ababa claimed Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60 kilometres into Tigray, the region still fraught with conflict between federal troops and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The letter cites drone strikes that targeted Eritrean positions in the town of Adigrat, causing civilian and military casualties.

Eritrea’s information minister rejected the accusations, insisting that the country was facing an unprovoked war of aggression from Ethiopia and accusing its neighbour of attempting to influence internal politics.

The two countries previously enjoyed close ties when Ethiopia fought alongside Eritrea against the TPLF during the 2015–2018 civil war. Relations deteriorated after Ethiopia’s prime minister sought control of one of Eritrea’s Red Sea ports, resulting in the severance of diplomatic channels last week.

While Ethiopian officials highlight the threat posed by Eritrean troop movements, Eritrean officials claim the accusations are fabricated and part of a wider plot to destabilise the region.

With both sides blaming each other for breaching a 2022 peace deal, the situation remains volatile. Analysts warn that a resurgence of hostilities could flare across the Horn of Africa, affecting trade and security for neighboring states.