Ethiopian Troops Push Into Tigray as Eritrea Denies Withdrawal

Ethiopian troops are pushing deeper into Tigray while claiming the historic city of Aksum. The pro-government Tigray Peace Force says they have taken control across the northern region and that Eritrean soldiers are pulling back toward the border. Solomon Hailemariam, the group's spokesperson, stated these enemy forces suffered heavy casualties during recent clashes.

Eritrea flatly denied any such retreat or troop movement inside Ethiopia. Yemane Gebremeskel, the country's Information Minister, told local outlets that the reports of significant losses were false. Independent verification remains impossible right now.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project tracked Ethiopian government units and TPF fighters moving into Aksum while rival Tigrayan rebels held onto mountainous zones nearby. ACLED also noted Eritrean troops withdrawing across Zalambessa after Ethiopian allies seized several key towns. A local resident named Selam, who asked to keep his first name hidden for safety, told AFP that Ethiopian forces stand on one side and Eritrean forces on the other. He said fighting has paused but the town lacks power and water for a full week.

"We are caught in the middle and living in deep anxiety," Salem confessed to reporters.

Heavy weapons and tanks rolled toward the Eritrean border on Tuesday, sparking fears of a direct clash between neighbors. Addis Ababa blames Ethiopia's rivals, Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt, for backing a seven-group rebel alliance that fights Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. Khartoum and Cairo have both rejected involvement in this conflict. Eritrea insists its soldiers never entered Tigray to aid opposition groups and accuses Ethiopia of threatening national sovereignty. The two nations fought together during the 2020-2022 war before severing diplomatic ties earlier this month over these very accusations.

The Tigray Peace Force backs Abiy's federal army against rebel groups linked to the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Government forces already captured Mekelle, the regional capital, and confirmed that the TPLF withdrew its administration temporarily. Adwa and Adigrat fell without a fight. Reports suggest Ethiopian advances continue near Rama, close to Eritrea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded an end to the violence after speaking with Prime Minister Abiy on Wednesday. A statement from the US Department of State said the region cannot endure another round of conflict.