Witnesses spot Eritrean troops inside northern Ethiopia as tensions flare

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1. 42m ago

   Eritrean Troops Spotted in Northern Ethiopia Amid Escalating Conflict

   Eritrean forces have entered northern Ethiopian towns and moved deep into the Tigray region, according to witnesses and a government-allied commander. While government communications state Eritrea has officially invaded Ethiopia, the Eritrean government denies these troop movements, calling the allegations a pretext for further war. This escalation follows a counter-offensive by Ethiopian federal troops and allied fighters, who recently seized the Tigray capital of Mekelle and captured its main regional airport. The United States has called for de-escalation as the two nations face a potential full-scale conflict.

   Why it matters

   Fighting intensified last month after the TPLP launched an offensive. Tensions are now peaking as Ethiopian federal forces push back into rebel-held territories near the Eritrean border. The situation threatens to destabilize the Horn of Africa, prompting a UN Security Council meeting.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopian government forces have seized the Tigray capital of Mekelle and its main regional airport.
   • Witnesses and a government-allied commander report Eritrean troops have entered northern Ethiopian towns.
   • Eritrea denies moving troops into northern Ethiopia.
   • The United States has called for de-escalation in the region.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Eritrea has officially invaded Ethiopia, according to government communication.
   • Ethiopian federal troops have entered Zalambessa on the border with Eritrea.

   What to watch next

   • UN Security Council resolutions regarding the Horn of Africa crisis
   • Official confirmation or denial of troop positions in Zalambessa
   • Further movements of federal forces within the Tigray region
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopian government forces seize Tigray capital Mekelle as ...
   2. BBC — Eritrean troops move deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region as fighting escalates
   3. horn review — Eritrea Has Officially Invaded Ethiopia, Says Government Communication
   4. Reuters — Eritrean troops drive through northern Ethiopian town, witnesses say
   5. Business Insider Africa — East Africa’s strongest military nation may be faced with an invasion from its neighbour as it faces rising security threats
   6. Al Jazeera — Witnesses spot Eritrean troops inside northern Ethiopia as tensions flare
   7. AP News — Eritrean soldiers entered northern Ethiopian towns, government-allied commander says
   8. NBC News — Eritrean troops cross into northern Ethiopia as conflict escalates
   9. The Economist — Ethiopia and Eritrea are on the brink of another conflict
   10. www.aljazeera.com — Witnesses spot Eritrean troops inside northern Ethiopia as tensions flare | Abiy Ahmed News | Al Jazeera
   11. www.aljazeera.com — Eritrea | Eritrea | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
   12. jamaicainquirer.com — Witnesses spot Eritrean troops inside northern Ethiopia as tensions flare - Jamaica Inquirer – Daily Ja....
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