Ethiopian Government Launches Drone Attacks on Eritrean Forces in Tigray

Ethiopian government forces have launched drone strikes against Eritrean troops following their movement across the border into the northern region of Tigray. The escalating military action highlights a growing risk of widespread regional conflict between the neighbouring Horn of Africa nations.

According to civilian witnesses, a militia commander, and the conflict monitoring organisation Acled, military vehicles carrying Eritrean soldiers crossed the southern border into Ethiopia on Wednesday, advancing approximately 25 miles (40 km) to the town of Adigrat. Acled reported that Ethiopian government drones subsequently targeted the Eritrean forces on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Broader Regional Instability and Recent Clashes

The aerial strikes follow recent intense fighting across Ethiopia's northern regions. Over the past two weeks, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and six allied armed factions have engaged in combat against the Ethiopian government across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. While the TPLF initiated an offensive on September 23, Ethiopian state forces pushed back, leading to the allied Tigray Peace Force taking control of Tigray's regional capital, Mekelle, on October 4 after TPLF fighters withdrew.

Amid the renewed hostility, reports indicate severe civilian impacts, including allegations that the TPLF has been forcibly recruiting boys as young as 15. Acled analyst Jalale Getachew Birru noted that civilians across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar were only beginning to recover from the previous 2020–2022 civil war before the recent outbreak of violence.

Tensions Over Red Sea Access and Official Responses

Frictions between Addis Ababa and Asmara have escalated over Ethiopia's stated need for direct access to the Red Sea, with Ethiopian state media previously asserting historical rights to the Eritrean port of Assab. On Monday, Ethiopia's foreign ministry declared that the nation remains prepared to defend its territorial integrity, emphasizing that discussions on regional maritime security must recognize its legitimate interests in the Red Sea while advocating for constructive dialogue.

In response to queries regarding the presence of troops in Tigray, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel stated that the government would not engage in refuting claims, declining to explicitly confirm or deny the military deployment. However, in a social media statement, Yemane accused Ethiopia of drumming up conflict and fabricating claims of self-defence to cover an aggressive agenda aimed at securing sea access. Analyst Magnus Taylor of the Crisis Group warned that Ethiopia's leadership might attempt a military strategy encompassing internal operations in Tigray alongside potential actions against Eritrea.