Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic relations as fighting in Tigray intensifies, with Ethiopia closing its embassy in Asmara and expelling 10 diplomats. The move follows accusations that Eritrea supports a rebel alliance led by the TPLF, which has been battling federal forces since last week.
Ethiopia accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing the opposition, prompting Eritrea to sever ties and expel Ethiopian diplomats. Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa, with reports of drone attacks targeting military sites, raising fears of wider regional conflict.
The diplomatic fallout comes as Ethiopian forces advance near Tigray's capital, Mekelle, with the TPLF threatening a counterattack. Analysts warn the conflict could spread beyond Ethiopia's borders, complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Eritrea's foreign ministry called Ethiopia's actions 'astounding,' warning of 'negative corollaries' from severing ties. Ethiopia's move to expel an Egyptian diplomat and Egypt's reciprocal action highlight tensions over regional influence and historical disputes, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue.