Renewed fighting in Tigray has shattered the 2022 peace agreement, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrean troops of border incursions and Eritrea labeling Ethiopia the aggressor.

Human Rights Watch’s Laetitia Bader says the clashes have caused casualties and humanitarian concerns in southern Tigray, including shelling that damaged health facilities.

A foreign security source estimates 5,000–8,000 Eritrean soldiers are present in Tigray.

Border-area tensions show Eritrean troops withdrawing from Fatsi as Ethiopian forces move into the Zalambessa area, though independent verification is not provided.

Government-allied fighters reportedly entered Mekelle after Tigray forces announced withdrawal, and Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Mekelle.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged restraint and de-escalation in the Horn of Africa, advocating dialogue under the 2018 peace deal and respect for sovereignty.

Rubio spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to emphasize sovereignty, territorial integrity, and avoiding cross-border incursions.

Analysts note the broader regional context, including Ethiopia’s Red Sea access and the 2020–2022 war's reported civilian death toll reaching hundreds of thousands.

Human Rights Watch documents civilian casualties from shelling in southern Tigray and calls for independent monitoring, safe humanitarian access, and restored communications.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister accused Eritrea of border crossings in a UN Security Council letter; Eritrea did not confirm crossings and framed the situation differently.

Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh urged condemnation of what he called a “deplorable declaration of war.”

The piece notes the historical context: Ethiopia is landlocked after Eritrea’s independence, and the two nations previously fought alongside each other against the TPLF during the 2020–2022 war.