Eritrean troops spotted moving deep into Ethiopia's Tigray region

Eritrean convoys enter northern Ethiopia

Residents of the northern Tigrayan town of Adigrat told the BBC they saw a line of military trucks moving southwards from the border town of Zalambessa. One anonymous witness said, "I saw about 40 trucks carrying soldiers. The convoy was moving south." A second source reported seeing 20 to 30 large trucks heading toward Edaga Hamus, a settlement between Adigrat and the regional capital Mekelle. Relatives of the witness estimated the convoy could have been as large as 60 trucks, later deployed in the mountainous area around Edaga Hamus.

The wider clash in Tigray

Fighting in Tigray reignited two weeks ago after months of tension between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The renewed violence follows the September formation of a new alliance of armed groups that includes the TPLF. Over the weekend, TPLF forces withdrew from Mekelle, located about 115 km (71 miles) south of Adigrat, and the city is now held by Ethiopian national army units.

Government accusations and local reactions

Senior Ethiopian government official Abraham Belay told private station Fana Television that Eritrea is fighting "with its full capacity and logistics" alongside what he called "bandits". He added, "Many Eritrean soldiers have been killed and captured. There is no doubt that the retaliation will be double."

Local residents described the sight of Eritrean‑registered trucks as a painful reminder of the 2020‑2022 war, which left Tigray on the brink of famine. One Adigrat resident said, "The memories are still fresh. I was emotional myself. People are saddened to see them back again."

Unverified details and open questions

Images circulating on social media show heavily loaded trucks moving through the corridor, but the BBC has not been able to independently confirm the footage. Reports also mention heavy weapons, including anti‑aircraft guns, and occasional drone strikes near Edaga Hamus, though no official confirmation is available. It remains unclear how many Eritrean troops are involved, their exact routes beyond Edaga Hamus, and whether the movement signals a coordinated escalation or a limited operation.

What comes next?

Eritrea has historically been an ally of Ethiopia, fighting the TPLF in the previous civil war, but relations have soured over Ethiopia’s interest in Eritrea’s Red Sea ports. With Mekelle under government control and Eritrean convoys now deep in Tigray, analysts warn the risk of a wider regional confrontation is rising. Observers will be watching for further troop movements, any official statements from Asmara, and the humanitarian impact on civilians already displaced by the renewed fighting.