The engagement of the Eritrean forces on the ground is only an incursion on TPLF military establishments. There is no large-scale fighting on the ground yet. Cross-border artillery firing, and movements of soldiers have been observed around the northwestern areas of Tigray bordering Eritrea.
Isaias Afwerki’s policy is that the TPLF should not advance into neighbouring regions or into the strategic Western Tigray areas. Doing so would allow the TPLF to have access to the strategic Port Sudan.
The Eritrean army has also been giving intensive military training to the Amhara regional armed forces (special police force).
Eritrea’s role in the conflict since 2020
At the start of the fighting in 2020, the Ethiopian and Eritrean forces managed to drive out the TPLF from Mekelle and into the remote mountainous areas of Tigray within a few weeks.
However, as the TPLF resorted to hit-and-run
There's more to this story
Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.
cancel anytime
Already a a subscriber Sign In
