Afar Region Accuses Eritrean Forces of Crossing Border to Fight Alongside TPLF

The Afar Regional State has accused Eritrean troops of crossing into Ethiopian territory to fight alongside TPLF militants, according to statements given to the BBC. Afar Communication Head Mohamed Ali and Regional President Awol Arba stated that Eritrean forces launched attacks in areas such as Abala, Megale, and Erebti, claiming that captured soldiers and military equipment provide clear evidence. In response, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel denied the allegations, characterizing them as attempts by the Ethiopian government to divert attention from internal conflicts. While Federal authorities have not explicitly confirmed Eritrean ground incursions, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula noted that Ethiopian forces are fighting groups acting on behalf of external entities. Meanwhile, the African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged neighboring countries to refrain from actions that escalation tensions.