Eyewitnesses have reportedly spotted dozens of Eritrean soldiers driving through the northern Ethiopian town of Adigrat, just days after both neighbouring nations formally severed diplomatic ties. According to local accounts, the troops were seen travelling in trucks wearing distinctive off-white camouflage uniforms, though independent verification of these movements remains severely constrained.

The reported incursion follows intensifying military friction in Ethiopia's turbulent Tigray region. A commander representing a pro-government local militia claimed that the Eritrean forces had entered the area equipped with heavy weaponry, alleging a strategic maneuver to displace active fighting away from Eritrean soil. Meanwhile, authorities in Asmara did not explicitly deny the border crossing, instead accusing the Ethiopian regime of fabricating a deceptive narrative to justify its own aggressive posture.

The diplomatic rift deepened significantly after Addis Ababa announced the closure of its embassy in Eritrea and the expulsion of several diplomatic personnel, prompting a swift reciprocal response from Asmara. Analysts suggest that the apparent involvement of external actors threatens to destabilize the wider Horn of Africa, as complex alliances and longstanding rivalries continue to fuel instability.

Regional observers warn that the breakdown in relations between the two governments, combined with ongoing internal armed struggles, diminishes the likelihood of a negotiated settlement. The unfolding situation highlights the fragility of peace efforts in a heavily militarized geopolitical landscape.

Source: www.aljazeera.com