Ethiopia says it must defend itself against Eritrea's 'all-out invasion'

Ethiopian minister says Eritrean troops advanced up to 60 km into Tigray

Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of having declared war in bid for sea access

More explosions reported overnight near Tigray town of Adigrat

Ethiopian Airlines flights to Mekelle to resume on Sunday

ADDIS ABABA, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Ethiopia said an “all-out invasion” by Eritrean forces had left it with no option but to defend itself, in a letter to the UN ‌shared with Reuters on Friday, as blasts continued near the border between the two countries.

In response, Eritrea’s information minister said his country had shown restraint since Ethiopia had declared a war of aggression against Eritrea by stating in 2023 it would acquire sovereign access to the sea.

The countries traded accusations after a reported incursion by Eritrean troops this week raised fears of outright war in the region, where the two nations have fought previous conflicts. The stakes have been raised this time around by conflicts in the Horn of Africa region and tensions across the Red Sea.

Ethiopia lost its access to all coastline when Eritrea secured independence in ⁠1993. Addis Ababa argues that restoring sea access is an existential issue but has said it would be restored through peace and dialogue.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting a rebel alliance in Ethiopia. Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos said in the letter that Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60 km (37 miles) into the country.