Ethiopian conflict and Eritrea diplomatic tensions

Conflict in Ethiopia has escalated through military strikes and heightened diplomatic friction involving Eritrea. In early October, explosions occurred near the Ethiopian National Defense Force headquarters in Addis Ababa. While official responsibility was not confirmed, opposition sources claimed the military headquarters was struck by drones, prompting the government to ban drone flights over the capital and deploy anti-drone systems.

Concurrently, diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea deteriorated, leading Ethiopia to close its embassy in Asmara and declare ten Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, accusing Eritrea of “direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence.”

In the Tigray region, instability has been marked by humanitarian disruptions and reports of foreign military presence. On September 20, a truck carrying 40 tons of U.S.-funded food aid intended for Sheraro was struck by drones, causing injuries to a driver and a 13-year-old girl. Catholic Relief Services noted that while half the load was recovered, the incident highlights the fragility of aid corridors.

Reports from monitors and witnesses indicate that several thousand Eritrean soldiers crossed the border into Tigray in early October to support a late September offensive by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) against Ethiopian federal forces. Evidence of military clashes, including burnt vehicle wreckage near Adigrat, suggests the Ethiopian National Defense Force has utilized drone strikes to target and repel these troops. While some Eritrean forces have reportedly retreated, others remain near the border. The Tigray Peace Force has accused Eritrea of deploying heavy weaponry into the region to ensure combat remains within Ethiopian territory, raising fears of a major conflict similar to the 1998–2000 war.