Drone strikes believed to have been launched by Ethiopia’s military targeted vehicles carrying Eritrean troops and equipment near Adigrat in northern Ethiopia, according to conflict monitor ACLED.
In an alert dated 8 October, ACLED said Eritrean forces that had crossed the border through Zelambesa the previous day were withdrawing from Adigrat overnight when the vehicles came under attack.
The monitor reported heavy explosions continuing into the morning. Its attribution of the strikes to the Ethiopian National Defence Force remains an assessment rather than an official acknowledgement.
Witnesses describe damaged military vehicles
Africanews reported witness accounts gathered by AFP describing overnight explosions and damaged Eritrean military vehicles.
One witness said Eritrean lorries had been destroyed, while another described troops appearing to move north. The witnesses spoke anonymously.
The report said neither government had answered its questions about the fighting.
Withdrawal or redeployment remains unclear
A Reuters report published by MarketScreener said a diplomat and a conflict expert had received accounts of Eritrean forces moving north following bombardment.
However, it remained unclear whether the troops were leaving Ethiopia or moving to other positions inside the country.
Reuters also reported that Ethiopia’s foreign minister, Gedion Timothewos, called on Thursday for Eritrean forces to withdraw from Ethiopian territory. Eritrea has denied allegations that it is supporting rebels and has characterised reports of an incursion as an Ethiopian attempt to justify aggression.
Former allies face renewed tensions
The two countries fought a border war between 1998 and 2000 before restoring relations in 2018.
Eritrean forces later fought alongside Ethiopia’s federal government during the 2020–2022 Tigray war. Relations subsequently deteriorated, including over the peace settlement and Ethiopia’s demands for access to the sea.
Africanews reported that diplomatic relations broke down earlier this month, with Ethiopia expelling Eritrean diplomats and closing its embassy in Asmara.
The reports reviewed do not establish a verified casualty total for the latest strikes.
Trivane View
Reports of cross-border troop movements and drone attacks require urgent diplomatic attention. Protecting civilians and preventing further escalation should take priority.
Claims about battlefield gains or withdrawals also need careful scrutiny. Movement away from one town does not, by itself, establish that foreign forces have left the country.
