The situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia tightens further: "Has declared war"

In a letter, the government in the Eritrean capital Asmara asks the UN to stop neighboring Ethiopia, which the government believes has now de facto declared war, reports Reuters.

The background is a statement from Addis Ababa which claims to have the right to self-defense after Eritrea allegedly launched a full-scale invasion of the Tigray region.

The area is located in northern Ethiopia and has been affected by fighting between the Addis Ababa army and the TPLF rebel group.

Ethiopia accuses the neighboring country of supporting the TPLF, which Eritrea denies.

Another factor in the conflict is Addis Ababa's ambition to gain access to the Red Sea. The country currently lacks direct access to sea traffic. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has therefore tried to take control of one of Eritrea's ports, which led to the countries breaking all diplomatic ties.

Ethiopia's foreign minister, Gedion Timothewos, has subsequently stated that Eritrean forces have entered Tigray. This is confirmed by witness statements to the BBC from the town of Adigrat, which is located in the area.

- I saw around 40 trucks with soldiers. The convoy moved south, says an eyewitness.

Addis Ababa has responded to the alleged invasion with drone attacks on Adigrat in the region on both Wednesday and Thursday.

The attacks have caused panic in the region and caused many to worry about a larger armed conflict. No deaths have been reported, many media lack access to the area.

During Thursday, Ethiopia wrote in a letter to the UN: "In this difficult time, when Ethiopia has no other choice but to defend itself, we count on your understanding, your support and your solidarity."

Eritrea believes this is tantamount to a declaration of war. The country, in turn, sent a letter to the United Nations on Saturday arguing that the claims of an invasion were false and that Ethiopia's wording amounted to a declaration of war. The Asmara government is therefore asking the international community to stop Ethiopia.

Read more: Eritrean troops are fighting inside Ethiopia