Eritrean troops drive through northern Ethiopian town, witnesses say - Reuters

Eritrean soldiers were observed driving through the northern Ethiopian town of Adigrat on Wednesday, according to two eyewitnesses who described the convoy moving through the town’s main thoroughfare. The witnesses, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the troops were in uniform and traveled in a series of vehicles, but did not provide details about the size of the force or its purpose.

The incident occurred just days after Eritrea and Ethiopia formally severed diplomatic relations, an escalation that has heightened concerns of a broader conflict in the Horn of Africa. The diplomatic break followed a series of political tensions between the two countries, including accusations of cross‑border incursions and support for opposing rebel groups.

Local authorities in the Tigray region, where Adigrat is located, have not yet issued an official statement confirming the presence of Eritrean forces or explaining the convoy’s movements. Security officials in Addis Ababa also declined to comment on the specific incident, citing ongoing diplomatic sensitivities.

Humanitarian agencies operating in the area have warned that any further military activity could exacerbate the already fragile humanitarian situation in Tigray, where displacement and food insecurity remain high after years of conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties and urged the restoration of diplomatic channels to prevent escalation.

The sighting adds to a series of reports of Eritrean military presence in northern Ethiopia, which have been documented sporadically since the 2020 conflict that began between the two nations. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for verification and transparent communication to avoid misinterpretations that could lead to wider hostilities.