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Eritrean troops have been spotted in the northern Ethiopian city of Adigrat, according to local officials and residents. The troops appear to be heading south. A local official and residents told AFP the Eritrean soldiers had been in Adigrat for days and were heading south. The reports come after two weeks of fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Ethiopian federal forces. The clashes began on 23 September, reigniting fears of a return to the devastating 2020-2022 civil war. Ethiopia has blamed Eritrea for backing the TPLF. Tensions between the two countries flared last week as they cut diplomatic ties. Ethiopian federal forces have pushed back the Tigrayan rebels, supported by local militias. The army entered the regional capital, Mekelle, at the weekend without a fight, as the TPLF had left the city. Several sources told AFP that Eritrean troops were in the northern Tigrayan city of Adigrat, about 115 kilometres north of Mekelle, and heading south. Tigray Peace Force commander Gebreigziabher Beyene, whose militia has fought alongside federal forces, said Eritrean troops had entered Tigray in uniform with heavy weapons. He also alleged that the force was being targeted by drones. Beyene said Eritrea was deploying troops inside Tigray to prevent fighting from spreading into Eritrean territory. Two eyewitnesses in Adigrat told AFP that they had seen Eritrean soldiers on the roads heading south. A local official, speaking anonymously, said the presence of Eritrean troops had raised concerns among residents. One eyewitness said Eritrean soldiers were travelling in large trucks and patrol vehicles and carrying heavy weapons. Further insecurity was reported west of Mekelle. An Adwa resident told AFP that drone strikes had targeted hotels in the town over the weekend, killing several civilians and injuring four others. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and fought a border war with Ethiopia from 1998 to 2000. Relations between the countries improved following the rise to power of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018 and Eritrea subsequently fought alongside Ethiopia during the Tigray civil war against the TPLF. Relations soured again after the conflict. Earlier this month, Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara. Eritrea said it would sever diplomatic ties. The latest tensions have raised fears that TPLF forces could retreat into Eritrea, providing a pretext for an Ethiopian military intervention. Regional expert Kjetil Tronvoll said Eritrea wanted to maintain a buffer zone in northern Tigray and confront Ethiopian forces inside Tigray.

Africa, Politics, Top StoriesOctober 7, 2026

Eritrean troops reportedly deploy in Tigray as tensions rise

Ethiopian Forces Take Control of Tigray Capital Mekelle

Africa, Politics, Top StoriesOctober 5, 2026

Ethiopian Forces Take Control of Tigray Capital Mekelle

Ethiopian federal forces patrol Mekelle after regaining control of the Tigray regional capital from TPLF fighters.

Africa, PoliticsOctober 5, 2026

Ethiopia’s federal forces retake Tigrayan capital Mekelle

Pro-Government Forces Advance Towards Mekelle

Africa, Politics, Top StoriesOctober 2, 2026

Pro-Government Forces Claim Tigray Victory as Fighting Intensifies

Explosions reported in Ethiopia capital overnight

Africa, Top StoriesOctober 1, 2026

Explosions Reported In Ethiopia Capital Amid Northern Fighting

Africa, PoliticsSeptember 28, 2026

Sudan rejects Ethiopia’s claims of backing Tigray forces

Africa, PoliticsSeptember 25, 2026

Ethiopian president warns of ‘interference’ amid renewed Tigray fighting

AfricaSeptember 24, 2026

Tigray tensions rise as regional forces seize Mekelle airport

Seven Ethiopian Groups Unite Against Government

Africa, Politics, Top StoriesSeptember 21, 2026

7 Ethiopian Armed Groups Form Alliance Against Government

Africa, Politics, Top StoriesJuly 22, 2026

Ethiopia opposition accuses government of pushing Tigray towards new war

Africa, PoliticsJuly 18, 2026

Ethiopians march against alleged forced mobilisation in Tigray

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