Accusations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have intensified as fighting in northern Ethiopia raises concerns about a possible wider regional conflict.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting Tigrayan rebels, while Eritrea says Addis Ababa is conducting an unprovoked war against it. The rival claims come amid reports of Eritrean troops in Tigray and military operations by Ethiopian forces.
Reported military activity
Eritrean troops are reportedly deployed in Tigray, according to the information available. Ethiopian forces have also reportedly carried out drone strikes against Eritrean troops. The reports have not been independently verified.
Ethiopian forces have reportedly pushed back Tigrayan forces and retaken the cities of Mekelle, Shire and Adigrat. The reported battlefield developments have likewise not been independently verified.
A security source estimated that between 5,000 and 8,000 Eritrean soldiers are in the region. The source did not identify the precise location covered by that estimate.
Dispute over the Red Sea
The tensions are also linked to Ethiopia’s repeated calls for direct access to the Red Sea. Eritrea views that demand as a potential threat to its sovereignty.
The current confrontation has revived concerns over a conflict extending beyond Tigray, although it has not been established whether the fighting will spread further.
History of strained relations
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a border war from 1998 to 2000. The countries had previously fought side by side, but their relations have since deteriorated sharply.
The latest accusations and reported troop movements have increased fears of a new regional war, adding to uncertainty around the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
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