Ethiopia launches drone strikes on Eritrean forces in Adigrat

Ethiopia has carried out drone strikes against Eritrean military positions near the city of Adigrat in the northern Tigray region. The military action marks a sharp escalation in hostilities following the total collapse of diplomatic relations between the two Horn of Africa neighbours. The strikes occurred shortly after witnesses reported seeing Eritrean troops crossing the border and moving through Ethiopian territory in military convoys.

Reports from the ground indicate that the drone strikes targeted specific Eritrean military assets around Adigrat, leading to the destruction of several vehicles. Witnesses in the area described seeing dozens of Eritrean soldiers in trucks just days before the aerial bombardment began. The presence of these troops inside Ethiopia has intensified fears of a return to full-scale war, with some Eritrean units reportedly forced to retreat following the precision strikes.

The breakdown in diplomacy follows months of rising friction, during which both nations expelled each other's diplomats. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea of providing support to rebels in Tigray to undermine the federal government, while Asmara has countered with allegations that Ethiopia is attempting to destabilize the Eritrean state. These tensions have been further inflamed by Ethiopia's recent pursuit of sea access and unresolved territorial disputes that have persisted since Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

International observers are increasingly concerned that the current skirmishes could evolve into a broader regional conflict. Although the Ethiopian government has attempted to downplay the scale of the recent violence, the direct targeting of Eritrean forces represents a significant shift in military strategy. The situation remains volatile as both nations reinforce their border positions amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics following the end of Ethiopia’s internal civil war.