Eritrean troops move deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region as fighting escalates

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1. 2h ago

   Eritrean Forces Deploy Deep Into Ethiopia's Tigray Region

   Eritrean troops have moved deep into Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, sparking intense concerns that an internal conflict will expand into a wider regional war. Residents and witnesses report that truckloads of Eritrean soldiers are driving through northern towns and deploying around Adigrat. Meanwhile, Ethiopian federal forces patrol the streets of Mekelle following the withdrawal of the Tigray People's Liberation Front from the regional capital. African leaders have gathered in Egypt to address the escalating crisis, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi urging dialogue instead of confrontation.

   Why it matters

   The recent military movements threaten to unravel the fragile 2022 peace agreement that ended years of devastating conflict in northern Ethiopia. Eritrea previously intervened in the region alongside Ethiopian federal forces during the earlier civil war, drawing severe international condemnation. The renewed clashes and direct foreign troop presence now test regional stability and raise alarm among international observers, including the European Union.

   What is confirmed

   • Troops loyal to Ethiopia's federal government were patrolling the streets of Mekelle after the Tigray People's Liberation Front withdrew its forces from the city.
   • Eritrean troops have deployed in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region and were seen moving south through Adigrat.
   • Ethiopia's regional rivals and African leaders gathered in Egypt to discuss the risk of a wider war, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi urging dialogue.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Ethiopian government communication stated that Eritrea has officially invaded Ethiopia.

   What to watch next

   • Official statements or responses from the Eritrean government regarding the troop deployments
   • Outcomes and joint resolutions from the regional leadership meetings in Egypt
   • Further reports on troop movements and clashes around Adigrat and Mekelle
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. www.france24.com — Ethiopian federal forces control Tigray capital as regional rivals meet in Egypt - France 24
   2. www.rfi.fr — Ethiopia captures Tigray capital as its regional rivals meet in Egypt - RFI
   3. BBC — Eritrean troops move deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region as fighting escalates
   4. horn review — Eritrea Has Officially Invaded Ethiopia, Says Government Communication
   5. Reuters — Eritrean troops drive through northern Ethiopian town, witnesses say
   6. Bloomberg.com — Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Incursion, Demands Troop Withdrawal
   7. consilium.europa.eu — Ethiopia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the escalating conflict in Ethiopia and the implications for the region
   8. Business Insider Africa — East Africa’s strongest military nation may be faced with an invasion from its neighbour as it faces rising security threats
   9. The Hill — Eritrean soldiers entered northern Ethiopian towns, government-allied commander says
   10. www.bbc.com — Tigray conflict: Eritrean troops move deep into Ethiopia as fighting escalates
   11. www.afp.com — Eritrean troops deploy in Ethiopia's Tigray region | AFP.com
   12. www.aa.com.tr — EXPLAINER - Why renewed Tigray fighting is raising fears of ...
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