--- title: "Ethiopian government forces launch drone attack against Eritrean troops" url: https://noti.group/ethiopian-government-forces-launch-drone-attack-against-eritrean/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-08T16:11:32.000Z updated: 2026-10-08T19:27:34.719Z id: fd2ea45f-a094-4644-9544-1509c1d0792b source: "The Guardian World https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/08/ethiopia-drone-attack-against-eritrean-troops-in-tigray" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/ethiopian-government-forces-launch-drone-attack-against-eritrean/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Ethiopian government forces launch drone attack against Eritrean troops The Ethiopian government has launched a drone attack against Eritrean troops who crossed into the country's Tigray region, sparking concerns of an escalating internal conflict that could spill over into a regional war between neighboring countries. Ethiopian government forces have launched a drone attack against Eritrean troops who crossed into the country's Tigray region, sparking concerns of an escalating internal conflict that could spill over into a regional war between neighboring countries. Eyewitnesses and military officials confirm that Eritrean soldiers entered Ethiopia through its southern border on Wednesday, arriving in the town of Adigrat, approximately 25 miles south of the region's capital. The troops were then targeted by Ethiopian drones in two separate attacks, first on Wednesday evening and again early Thursday morning. The presence of Eritrean forces in Tigray is a significant development, given the long-standing animosity between Eritrea and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been at the forefront of the conflict in Ethiopia. However, sources indicate that Eritrea's primary concern is not to support the Ethiopian government, but rather to prevent its own territory from being invaded by Ethiopian forces seeking access to the Red Sea. The recent clashes between the TPLF and six other armed groups on one side, and the Ethiopian government on the other, have taken a deadly turn in the last two weeks. The conflict has ravaged the regions of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar, with significant humanitarian implications, leaving many wondering if the situation can be contained before it spirals out of control. The escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia has sparked fresh tensions between neighboring Eritrea and Ethiopia, with reports emerging of an aerial attack on Eritrean troops who had crossed into Tigray region. Eritrea's information minister, Yemane Ghebremeskel, sidestepped a direct confirmation or denial of the presence of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia, stating that his country was not engaged in refuting "wild allegations or narratives". This ambiguity has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. The deep-seated animosity between Eritrea and Ethiopia's Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) dates back decades. The two countries fought a devastating war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in significant human losses on both sides. Their rapprochement in 2018, facilitated by the Nobel peace prize-winning prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, was seen as a crucial step towards regional stability. The legacy of that conflict continues to cast a long shadow over the region. The brutal civil war between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government from 2020 to 2022 claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 to 800,000 civilians, leaving deep scars in its wake. Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been escalating in recent years due to competing interests in the Red Sea region. Ethiopia's need for access to the Red Sea has become a pressing concern, with its government claiming historical rights to the Eritrean port of Assab. This demand is linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has led to a reduction in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened the importance of alternative maritime routes. In a statement, Ethiopia's foreign ministry emphasized the need for regional discussions on maritime affairs to take into account its legitimate interests and historical ties to the Red Sea. However, Eritrea has expressed concerns over Ethiopia's intentions, with officials accusing it of fabricating allegations against their country in an attempt to justify military action. Analysts warn that Ethiopia's actions may be driven by a broader ambition to solve multiple problems simultaneously, including its conflict with Tigray and a potential regime change in Eritrea. This could involve a land grab for the Red Sea port, further exacerbating regional tensions. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in aggressive rhetoric and military posturing. Experts caution that a miscalculation by either side could lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life and destabilization of the entire region. Reports have surfaced of Tigrayan forces coercing boys as young as 15 into military service to fight in the ongoing conflict. The analyst at Acled Ethiopia warns that civilians in the affected regions - Tigray, Amhara and Afar - are still reeling from previous violence that was temporarily halted by a peace agreement two years ago. --- Source: [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/08/ethiopia-drone-attack-against-eritrean-troops-in-tigray) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/ethiopian-government-forces-launch-drone-attack-against-eritrean/