Recent reports from residents in the Tigrayan town of Adigrat indicate that Eritrean forces are advancing deeper into Ethiopia’s contested Tigray region. Witnesses describe convoys of military trucks moving southward, some reportedly laden with heavy weapons, and heading toward the strategic towns of Edaga Hamus and possibly Wukro.
Background
Fighting in Tigray reignited two weeks ago after months of tension between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides accuse each other of breaching a 2022 peace deal that ended a two‑year civil war. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim Eritrea has denied, while the two neighbours have recently severed diplomatic relations over the renewed hostilities.
Recent Movements
According to multiple residents, Eritrean troops have moved from the border town of Zalambessa toward central Tigray. One eyewitness reported seeing “about 40 trucks carrying soldiers” heading south, while another observed “20 to 30 large trucks” moving toward Edaga Hamus. A third source estimated up to 60 trucks, some reportedly transporting anti‑aircraft guns and other heavy weapons. The convoys are said to have passed through Adigrat and continued along the corridor that links Adigrat, Edaga Hamus, and the regional capital, Mekelle.
Verification Challenges
The BBC has been unable to independently verify the reported troop movements, the exact number of vehicles, or the presence of heavy armaments. Mobile phone and internet services have largely been restored in the area after the army took control of Mekelle, but journalists remain barred from on‑the‑ground reporting. Images circulating on social media appear to show heavily loaded military trucks, yet the BBC has not confirmed their authenticity.
Regional Implications
If the reports prove accurate, the advance of Eritrean forces could widen the conflict beyond Ethiopia’s borders. Eritrea was a key ally of Ethiopia during the 2020‑2022 war against the TPLF, but relations have soured over Ethiopia’s ambition to claim a Red Sea port owned by Eritrea. The renewed presence of Eritrean troops may embolden the new alliance of armed groups launched in September, which includes the TPLF, and could trigger a broader regional confrontation.
Humanitarian Concerns
Residents expressed deep anxiety over the return of Eritrean soldiers, recalling alleged atrocities committed during the previous civil war. One Adigrat resident said, “The memories are still fresh. I was emotional myself,” highlighting the lingering trauma among civilians. The conflict has already driven the Tigray region to the brink of famine, and any escalation risks further humanitarian deterioration.
Uncertainty
What remains unclear is the scale and intent of the Eritrean deployment. The BBC’s inability to verify convoy sizes, weapon loads, or the exact routes means that analysts must rely on anecdotal evidence. Additionally, senior Ethiopian government official Abraham Belay has accused Eritrea of “full capacity and logistics” participation, but no independent confirmation of these claims exists.
Key Takeaways
- Witnesses report Eritrean convoys moving south from Zalambessa toward central Tigray.
- BBC verification is pending; images and numbers have not been independently confirmed.
- Renewed Eritrean presence could exacerbate an already volatile regional security environment.
- Local trauma and humanitarian needs remain acute, with fears of further displacement and famine.
Until independent observers can access the frontlines, the true extent of Eritrean involvement will remain a matter of speculation, underscoring the need for transparent reporting and urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider crisis.