RismadarVoice Reporters
October 8, 2026
Eritrean troops have reportedly crossed into northern Ethiopia as renewed fighting between Ethiopian government forces and opposition groups raises concerns over regional security and the future of the Tigray peace agreement.
The reported military movements come amid escalating tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with conflicting accounts emerging over troop deployments and territorial control.
A commander of the Tigray Peace Force, Ermiyas Ababu, alleged that Eritrean soldiers entered the northern Ethiopian towns of Adigrat and Idaga Hamus on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Ababu further claimed that Eritrean military officers were conducting surveillance operations in Idaga Hamus.
Conflict monitoring organisation ACLED separately reported that Eritrean troops crossed into Ethiopia through Zelambesa on Wednesday.
According to the organisation, Ethiopian military drones subsequently targeted the troops as they advanced towards Idaga Hamus.
However, the reported troop movements and military engagements have not been independently verified.
The developments have heightened concerns over the November 2022 peace agreement, which brought an end to two years of devastating conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters.
Eritrea has denied allegations that it is providing military support to the TPLF.
Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel accused the Ethiopian government of making unfounded allegations to justify possible military action against his country.
Diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries have also deteriorated.
Ethiopia recently expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara, prompting Eritrea to announce a suspension of diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, residents of Shire, a major city in the Tigray region, reported that TPLF fighters withdrew from the area on Wednesday.
Residents said Ethiopian government forces and their allies had not entered the city at the time of their accounts.
Shire has served as an important refuge for people displaced by previous fighting and remains a significant centre for humanitarian operations.
In another development, government-aligned forces reportedly entered Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, on Sunday following an announcement by the TPLF that its fighters were withdrawing.
The Tigray Peace Force subsequently introduced a night-time curfew in the city amid concerns over security.
The renewed hostilities follow the formation of an opposition alliance involving the TPLF and six other groups seeking to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration.
The latest developments have raised fears of a wider regional confrontation, particularly as relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea continue to deteriorate.
The extent of Eritrean military involvement remains disputed, while the situation in several affected communities continues to evolve.
