Symbolic imageEthiopia and Eritrea edge toward war as army advances in Tigray
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of a "total invasion" and claims self-defence, while Asmara denies involvement. The two countries have effectively suspended diplomatic relations.
Heavy fighting between Ethiopia's army and Tigrayan forces began in late September, and the TPLF announced a "defensive war" on Wednesday, 23 September. According to FAZ, allies of the federal government retook Mekele in early October while Tigrayan fighters withdrew into mountainous areas. The army then moved into Adigrat at the weekend after drone strikes; Eritrean soldiers had been sighted in the town, which lies about thirty kilometres from the border. Ethiopia told UN Security Council members last week that it is invoking self-defence. Eritrea calls this a "reprehensible declaration of war" and asks the Council to take "deterrent measures".
Rebel alliance
The TPLF has joined six armed groups in the "Alliance for Survival", which aims to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and reform the constitution, according to the New York Times report carried by Folha. Experts quoted there say one aim is to cut the highway linking Ethiopia to Djibouti.
Regional blocs
Ethiopia's army chief said Egypt and Sudan probably help the rebels, which both deny, and Addis Ababa and Cairo each expelled a diplomat. Leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan and Somalia met in Cairo in early October.
Contact with Washington
Abiy spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, 14 October, and said he welcomed assurances of continued US support.
Other opinions
Telesur, a state-affiliated Venezuelan outlet, centres on the Abiy-Rubio call and Addis Ababa's reported gains, while FAZ stresses the Eritrean role and regional alliances.