Ethiopia says it will defend itself after Eritrean troops crossed into its territory, with both nations trading blame over who started the confrontation.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Truckloads of Eritrean soldiers have been seen driving into Ethiopia, according to the BBC.
- Ethiopia has reportedly responded with drone strikes.
- Ethiopia has warned it will defend itself.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea are accusing each other of starting the conflict.
Ethiopia has warned Eritrea that it will defend itself after troops crossed the border between the two countries, according to the BBC. The development marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the neighbouring nations.
Truckloads of Eritrean soldiers have been seen driving into Ethiopia, the BBC reported. The movement of forces across the border has prompted a swift reaction from Ethiopian authorities.
Ethiopia has reportedly responded to the incursion with drone strikes, according to the BBC. The use of such strikes signals a military response to the reported crossing.
Both countries are now accusing each other of starting the conflict, the BBC reported. The competing claims leave the precise sequence of events in dispute as each side blames the other.
Ethiopia has stated it will defend itself, framing its actions as a response to the reported movement of Eritrean troops into its territory. The BBC’s reporting documents the cross-border movement and the Ethiopian response as the situation develops.
Why it matters
A renewed confrontation between Ethiopia and Eritrea risks destabilising an already volatile part of the Horn of Africa. With both sides blaming each other and military action reportedly under way, the situation could have serious humanitarian and regional security consequences.
Frequently asked questions
What is happening between Ethiopia and Eritrea?
According to the BBC, truckloads of Eritrean soldiers have been seen crossing into Ethiopia, and Ethiopia has warned it will defend itself. The two countries are accusing each other of starting the conflict.
How has Ethiopia responded?
Ethiopia has reportedly responded with drone strikes and has warned that it will defend itself, according to the BBC.
Who started the conflict?
The BBC reports that Ethiopia and Eritrea are accusing each other of starting the conflict, so the responsibility remains disputed between the two sides.
Timeline
- Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of starting conflict after troops cross border
BBC World: Truckloads of Eritrean soldiers have been seen driving into Ethiopia, which has reportedly responded with drone strikes.
- Ethiopia warns Eritrea it will defend itself after troops cross border
BBC World: Truckloads of Eritrean soldiers have been seen driving into Ethiopia, which has reportedly responded with drone strikes.