Eritrean troops leave Adigrat after drone strikes

Residents in and around the northern Ethiopian city of Adigrat said Eritrean troops had left after drone strikes by Ethiopian federal forces, though some Eritrean forces remained near the border on the Ethiopian side.

Burnt-out trucks were visible in the centre of Adigrat, about 40 kilometres south of Eritrea. AFP reported they were the result of federal drone strikes against Eritrean troops who had been present just over a week earlier.

A foreign security source said Eritrea had deployed thousands of troops in northern Tigray, backing rebels who launched a September offensive against Ethiopia's government. The source said some Eritrean forces had returned to their country, while others remained near the border after drone strikes pushed them back.

Residents described fear during the strikes. Hagos, who gave only one name, said explosions continued for more than three and a half hours after an October 7 strike near his village north of Adigrat. Haymanot, 33, said drones struck Eritrean forces and Tigray People's Liberation Force rebels near Adigrat on October 10.

Several residents said they did not want Eritrean soldiers to return, citing memories of the 2020-2022 Tigray war, when Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces and were accused of war crimes.

Adigrat remained tense. Residents said federal forces were patrolling with heavy weapons, schools had been closed for several days, and shops and restaurants were open but running low on supplies. In Zalambessa, a border town farther north, Eritrean soldiers were still present.

Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic ties earlier this month and have accused each other of trying to destabilise the region. On Friday, Ethiopia's government announced a six-month interim administration in Tigray intended to lead to elections.