Ethiopia Threatens Retaliation After Eritrean Troops Enter Tigray

Fri Oct 09 2026 18:18:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Eritrean troops crossing Ethiopia’s Tigray border sparks a new military standoff, drawing UN and regional attention.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of launching an ‘all‑out invasion’ into the northern Tigray region, declaring it will use its right to self‑defence. The move follows reports that Eritrean forces advanced up to 60km into Ethiopian territory amid renewed conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Ethiopia’s foreign minister’s letter to the UN Security Council calls for international support, while Eritrea maintains it is under attack. Drone strikes hit Eritrean units near Adigrat, and both sides blame each other for violating a 2022 ceasefire. With diplomatic ties severed, a wider regional war looms.

Ethiopia warns Eritrea it will defend itself after troops cross the Tigray border.

Ethiopia’s foreign minister, Gedion Timothewos, described the Eritrean incursion as an “all‑out invasion” and a “blatant act of aggression” that triggers the country’s inherent right to self‑defence. He sent a letter to the UN Security Council seeking support and solidarity.

Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, dismissed the accusations, claiming the situation is an “unprovoked war of aggression” by its neighbour.

The clash follows the recommencement of fighting two weeks ago between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides blame the other for violating a 2022 peace deal that ended a two‑year civil war.

Ethiopia alleges Eritrea supports the TPLF, a charge Eritrea denies. The war has a long history: Eritrea was a key ally of Ethiopia during the civil war but relations deteriorated after Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, pursued control of an Eritrean Red Sea port.

According to the Ethiopian foreign minister, Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60 km (37 miles) into Tigray. Drone strikes reportedly targeted these forces in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Conflict monitoring group ACLED reported overnight “multiple drone strikes” hit Eritrean troops and ammunition in Adigrat. AFP witnesses described heavy drone activity and destroyed lorries, with indications that Eritrean units may be retreating northward.

There are yet no verified casualty reports, and the BBC cannot report from Tigray. The UN, regional actors and the international community watch closely as Ethiopia and Eritrea sever diplomatic ties and the situation escalates.