Eritrean military personnel have reportedly crossed into northern Ethiopia as fighting between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters intensifies, residents in Adigrat have told the BBC.
Witnesses said convoys of Eritrean troops moved from the border area of Zalambessa through Adigrat towards Edaga Hamus, located along the route to Mekelle.
Some residents reported seeing dozens of military vehicles transporting armed personnel and heavy equipment.
The developments come after renewed hostilities erupted in Tigray following months of growing tensions between Ethiopia’s federal administration and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Both sides have accused each other of breaching the 2022 peace agreement that brought an end to the devastating two-year conflict.
Ethiopian authorities have also alleged that Eritrea is supporting the TPLF, although Asmara has rejected claims of involvement.
The latest escalation follows the formation of a new coalition of Ethiopian armed organisations in September, with the TPLF among its members.
TPLF fighters recently abandoned Mekelle, Tigray’s regional capital, allowing federal troops to take control of the city.
The reported movement of Eritrean forces has heightened fears among Tigrayans, many of whom remember alleged abuses committed by Eritrean soldiers during the previous war.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have sharply worsened since their wartime alliance collapsed, with disagreements over Ethiopia’s ambitions concerning access to Eritrean Red Sea ports contributing to the deterioration.
The neighbouring countries severed diplomatic ties last week as the renewed violence raised concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Ethiopia’s borders.
Residents also reported military activity around Wukro, where Ethiopian government troops and allied fighters were said to have arrived following an exchange of heavy weapons.
Ethiopian government official Abraham Belay has also accused Eritrea of taking an active role in the fighting, claiming its military had deployed personnel and logistical support.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong