Ethiopia warns Eritrea it will defend itself after troops cross border

Fri Oct 09 2026 18:14:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ethiopia accuses Eritrean forces of invading Tigray, vows defense as tensions rise over support for the TPLF.

Ethiopia’s foreign minister has accused Eritrea of an “all‑out invasion” of the northern Tigray region, threatening to use its right of self‑defence. The accusation follows reports that Eritrean troops crossed Ethiopia’s border and backed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which Ethiopia denies. Eritrea’s information minister rebuked the claim, calling the situation an unprovoked war of aggression by Ethiopia. Drone strikes on the town of Adigrat by Ethiopian forces have been reported, with witnesses noting Eritrean lorries were destroyed and troops possibly retreating north. The escalating skirmishes could spark wider regional conflict and have prompted Ethiopia to appeal to the UN Security Council for support.

Ethiopia warns Eritrea it will defend itself after troops cross border

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an “all‑out invasion” of its northern Tigray region and said it will use its inherent right of self‑defence.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos described the incursion as a “blatant act of aggression” and urged international support for Ethiopia.

Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel counter‑drew, saying his country is fighting an unprovoked war of aggression by its neighbour.

Both sides blame each other for violating a 2022 peace deal that ended the civil war, with Ethiopia alleging Eritrea backs the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Eritrea denies any involvement.

During the two‑year civil war, Eritrea fought alongside the Ethiopian government against the TPLF, but relations soured after Ethiopia sought control of a Red Sea port, leading to diplomatic ties being severed last week.

Timothewos said Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60km (37 miles) into Tigray, prompting drone strikes on the town of Adigrat on Wednesday and Thursday. U.S.–based conflict monitor ACLED reported that Eritrean troops and ammunition had been hit by multiple drone strikes overnight.

Witnesses reported many drone strikes and destruction of Eritrean lorries. Another observer said Eritrean troops appeared to be retreating north after the strikes, though no verified casualties have been reported.

The escalating skirmishes risk a wider regional conflict and have drawn international attention, with many urging restraint and diplomatic resolution.