Eritrea Severs Diplomatic Ties With Ethiopia Amid Escalating Conflict
Eritrea severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa expelled diplomats, escalating a regional crisis and reviving fears of renewed civil war.
Eritrea has announced the severance of all diplomatic relations with neighboring Ethiopia following the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats declared persona non grata. Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has resumed fighting against government forces. The escalation marks the most severe crisis since the end of the 2020-2022 civil war.
Diplomatic Breach and Regional Escalation
The diplomatic fallout deepened when Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara, citing direct and indirect hostile acts by Eritrea. Ten Eritrean diplomats were ordered to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours. In response, Eritrea stated it was left with no choice but to reciprocate and sever all diplomatic ties. Explosions were reported overnight in Addis Ababa, raising concerns over potential drone strikes targeting military headquarters.
Security Warnings and Domestic Conflict
Amid the escalating violence, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning advising citizens to avoid the Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Danakil desert regions in Ethiopia, while stopping short of issuing a warning for Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government recently secured strategic gains, capturing the town of Alamata in southern Tigray, while clashes persist across multiple regional fronts following the formation of a united rebel alliance aimed at challenging the federal administration.
