Ethiopian drones hit Eritrean forces accused of backing rebels in Tigray

Ethiopian drone strikes targeted Eritrean forces who had advanced into northern Tigrayan city Adigrat, according to a conflict monitor and multiple witnesses reported on Thursday. The intensified conflict comes as the Tigray People's Liberation Front-led seven-group rebel coalition continues to push against federal forces in northern Ethiopia, with fighting reported in the Afar and Amhara regions since the coalition's offensive was announced last week.

Eritrean troops crossed the border this week and were positioned around Adigrat, according to several sources. The conflict monitor ACLED stated that multiple drone strikes hit Eritrean troops and ammunition in the Adigrat area overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, with witnesses reporting destroyed Eritrean lorries and massive explosions, and observations of Eritrean military vehicles hit by drones.

The witnesses also mentioned that Eritrean troops seemed to be retreating north. Tensions between the two nations have risen due to Ethiopia's accusations that Eritrea is backing rebels in the Tigray region, leading to the severing of diplomatic ties last week. Eritrea, in turn, accuses Ethiopia of supporting its opponents and seeking a pretext to invade its territory.