Eritrean troops move deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region, residents tell BBC

Eritrean troops have moved into northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region, reaching the town of Adigrat, according to residents and a conflict monitoring group. The movement follows a two-week escalation of fighting between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which both accuse each other of violating a 2022 ceasefire. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an 'all-out invasion' and launched drone strikes on Eritrean forces in Adigrat, with multiple attacks reported overnight. Eritrea responded by calling the actions an 'unprovoked war of aggression'. The Ethiopian foreign minister said Eritrean forces advanced up to 60km into Tigray. TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael said rebel forces would continue fighting 'on our terms and where we choose'. Ethiopian federal forces retook Mekelle, the regional capital, on 4 October after rebel withdrawal. The conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war, especially as Eritrea and Ethiopia severed diplomatic ties last week. The TPLF and six other armed groups have fought the government in Tigray and neighbouring regions. Ethiopia claims Eritrea supports the TPLF, a claim Eritrea denies. The situation follows deteriorating relations over Ethiopia’s ambition to access one of Eritrea’s Red Sea ports. A drone attack on Eritrean troops was reported by the conflict monitor Acled. The BBC is unable to report from the region directly, though mobile connectivity has been restored.

The renewed fighting has effectively ended the 2022 Pretoria ceasefire. While Mekelle is under federal control, fighting continues in other parts of Tigray. The conflict may evolve into a prolonged insurgency, especially if rebel groups use mountainous terrain to regroup. Ethiopia is already engaged in insurgencies in Amhara and Oromia, raising the prospect of broader federal instability.