Eritrean forces suffer 'heavy losses' in Tigray, Ethiopian militia says

Eritrean troops in Tigray have suffered heavy losses and are retreating towards their border, according to a spokesperson for an Ethiopian pro-government militia. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Ethiopian federal forces and their allies were reportedly closing in on a town near Eritrea's border. Many TPLF fighters and cadres, after being pushed back from southern Tigray, are now gathered along the border with Eritrea. They are in a very difficult situation and are divided among themselves. Some are saying, let us cross into Eritrea, while others say we will not cross. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front, which launched a major offensive against government forces on September 23rd. TPLF fighters were eventually pushed back and lost control of their strongholds. In recent days, Ethiopian pro-government forces have moved into key towns near Eritrea's borders, raising fears of a regional war. The Eritrean army initially came to encourage TPLF fighters, telling them, take courage, we are behind you, and urging them to stand and fight. But after violating Ethiopia's sovereign territory and facing strikes, Eritrean forces retreated towards the border. Eritrea's information minister has dismissed rumors of Ethiopian troops already crossing the border. On Wednesday, the United States called on Addis Ababa and Asmara to pursue the escalation.