Overview
- Renewed fighting that began on September 23 between Ethiopian federal forces and a rebel alliance led by the TPLF has eroded the 2022 Pretoria ceasefire and led to rapid shifts on the ground.
- Multiple witnesses, a pro‑government militia commander and conflict monitor ACLED said Eritrean troops crossed the border into northern Tigray towns including Adigrat and Idaga Hamus and were seen moving south toward Zalambessa.
- ACLED and local witnesses reported Ethiopian drone strikes on Eritrean troops and military vehicles in the Adigrat/Guada area early on October 8 that witnesses said destroyed lorries and prompted some Eritrean pullback.
- Addis Ababa expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its Asmara embassy earlier this month while Asmara announced it would sever ties, and Ethiopia has formally told the UN it views the troop presence as an invasion.
- The entry of Eritrean forces and the use of drones deepen regional fault lines over Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access, raise the risk of wider involvement by neighbours, and threaten more civilian displacement and restricted humanitarian aid.