Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an “all out invasion” after allegedly deploying troops up to 60 kilometres into northern Ethiopian territory, raising fears of renewed war between the neighbouring countries.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council shared with Reuters on Friday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos said his country had the right to defend itself against the reported incursion.
Ethiopia described the presence of Eritrean troops, including mechanised units, as an act of aggression. Witnesses told Reuters they had seen Eritrean soldiers in northern Ethiopia earlier this week.
Eritrea denied the allegations. Its information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, previously accused Ethiopia of using the reports to justify a possible war against Eritrea.
Tensions have increased following the countries’ severance of diplomatic ties. Ethiopia has also accused Eritrea of supporting a rebel alliance fighting federal forces in the northern regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar. Eritrea has denied the allegation.
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