Tensions are rising in the Horn of Africa after Ethiopian government troops advanced into Zalambessa, a border town near Eritrea, amid growing fears of a renewed conflict between the neighbouring countries.
The advance, reported on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, came as diplomats worked to prevent a wider confrontation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, whose relations have deteriorated following fresh fighting in northern Ethiopia.
Zalambessa, a town of approximately 15,000 people on the Ethiopian side of the border, had previously been controlled by Tigrayan rebels. The reported advance forms part of a government counter-offensive that has pushed rebel forces out of several towns.
Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Sending Troops Across Border
The latest developments follow reports from witnesses and a conflict monitor that Eritrean troops crossed into Zalambessa the previous week in support of Tigrayan rebels.
However, it remained unclear whether Eritrean troops or rebel fighters were still present in the town when Ethiopian forces advanced.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of sending troops into its territory and supporting armed groups fighting the federal government. Addis Ababa has also told the United Nations that Eritrean forces advanced as far as 60 kilometres inside Ethiopian territory.
Eritrea has denied carrying out an incursion and rejected Ethiopia’s accusations, arguing that the allegations amount to a declaration of war against the country.
The competing claims have heightened concerns that the two countries could return to open hostilities after years of strained relations.
Fresh Fighting Threatens Stability in Tigray
The border tensions are unfolding alongside renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
Clashes intensified after an alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) launched an offensive against the Ethiopian government, reigniting conflict in a region devastated by the 2020–2022 war.
The earlier conflict killed hundreds of thousands of people, according to widely cited estimates, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and essential services.
Ethiopian government-aligned forces have since mounted a counter-offensive, regaining ground and forcing rebel fighters to retreat from several towns.
The latest escalation has raised fears that fighting could spread beyond Tigray and draw Ethiopia and Eritrea into another direct confrontation.
Eritrea Appeals to the United Nations
As tensions escalated, Eritrea appealed to the United Nations Security Council to take action against Ethiopia, rejecting accusations that it had invaded its neighbour.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, has presented its actions as self-defence against what it describes as Eritrean military aggression.
The diplomatic dispute has unfolded alongside other measures, including Ethiopia’s expulsion of Eritrean diplomats and the closure of Eritrea’s embassy in Addis Ababa, according to reports on the escalating crisis.
The situation has put renewed pressure on international efforts to prevent another major conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Why Ethiopia and Eritrea Are on Opposing Sides Again
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a devastating border war between 1998 and 2000 before relations improved following a peace agreement in 2018.
Eritrea later supported Ethiopia’s federal government during the Tigray war that began in 2020. Relations have since deteriorated, with disagreements over security, regional influence and Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the Red Sea adding to tensions.
Ethiopia became landlocked when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Its desire for reliable sea access has become a significant regional issue, although Addis Ababa says it seeks a peaceful resolution.
The renewed accusations and military movements have raised concerns that unresolved disputes could trigger another confrontation between the neighbours.
For now, the extent of Eritrean military involvement in the latest fighting remains disputed. Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis will be crucial in determining whether the current tensions escalate into a wider regional war.
