Eritrean soldiers entered northern Ethiopian towns, government-allied commander says

MEKELLE, Ethiopia (AP) — Eritrean soldiers marched into two northern Ethiopian towns, according to Ermiyas Ababu, a Tigray Peace Force commander. The first entry occurred on Tuesday in Adigrat, followed by Idaga Hamus on Wednesday. Military officers were conducting surveillance in Idaga Hamus, the commander stated, based on reports from his personnel.

Separately, ACLED reported that Eritrean troops crossed into the country at Zelambesa on Wednesday and were subsequently targeted by Ethiopian military drones near Guada. However, the AP could not independently confirm these accounts. This comes amid ongoing clashes between Ethiopian government forces and an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF.

In a post on X, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel accused Ethiopia of spreading false claims to rationalize military operations against his nation. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed maintained that his nation requires access to the Red Sea, a goal lost when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Eritrea has denied the allegations of supporting the TPLF, severing diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after the latter expelled Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara.

In Shire, a town hosting displaced individuals from the Tigray conflict, residents reported witnessing TPLF forces withdrawing earlier in the day, though government troops and allied forces had not entered as of their communication.