Understand
Ethiopia warns Eritrea of self-defence after troops cross into Tigray
Overview
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an all-out invasion and blatant act of aggression after Eritrean troops reportedly advanced up to 60km into Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos stated that the country would exercise its right to self-defence. Meanwhile, Eritrea denied backing the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and accused Ethiopian leaders of launching an unprovoked war and seeking to seize Eritrean territory.
Key points
- Ethiopia accused Eritrea of an all-out invasion after troops advanced up to 60km into the Tigray region.
- Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos wrote to the UN Security Council stating Ethiopia will exercise its right to self-defence.
- Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel denied the accusations, claiming Eritrea faces an unprovoked war of aggression.
- Conflict monitor Acled reported that multiple drone strikes targeted Eritrean troops and ammunition in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat.
- Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated following disputes over Red Sea port access and the collapse of a 2022 peace deal.