Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Invasion as Horn of Africa Faces Wider War

2026, October 9

Ethiopia / Eritrea

Ethiopia has accused neighbouring Eritrea of launching an “all-out invasion” after reports that Eritrean troops advanced as far as 60 kilometres into Ethiopian territory. In a letter shared with Reuters, the Ethiopian government said the alleged incursion left it with no option but to defend itself. Explosions have been reported near Adigrat in the northern Tigray region, where Ethiopian forces have also carried out drone strikes against Eritrean positions, according to conflict monitors.

Eritrea has rejected Ethiopia's account of the broader dispute, accusing Addis Ababa of pursuing an aggressive campaign linked to its ambition to regain access to the Red Sea. The two countries have exchanged accusations and recently severed diplomatic ties. Renewed fighting also threatens to compound the instability created by Ethiopia's internal conflict and the ongoing war in neighbouring Sudan.

Why it matters: A direct war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could destabilise the Horn of Africa, disrupt Red Sea security and create another major humanitarian emergency.

Sources: Reuters — Ethiopia alleges Eritrean invasion · The Guardian — Drone strikes and rising regional tensions