Drone Attack Near Tigray-Afar Border Sparks Accusations and Regional Tensions.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused the Ethiopian government of launching a drone strike that injured both Tigray Defense Forces personnel and civilians, alleging it constitutes a breach of the Pretoria Agreement.

In a statement issued this Friday evening, the TPLF reported that the attack occurred on the night of Thursday, November 6, near the border between the Tigray and Afar regions. While the statement did not disclose specific details of the strike, it confirmed that damage was inflicted and noted that the attack endangered Tigrayan Defence forces in the area.

“The Ethiopian government, which finds satisfaction in the death and suffering of the Tigrayan people, has once again violated the Pretoria Agreement,” the statement read. The TPLF called on the international community to intervene and prevent further bloodshed.

Meanwhile, the Afar Regional Government issued its own statement on Wednesday evening, accusing what it referred to as the “TPLF group” of initiating heavy weapons fire on Tonsa Kebele, located in Megale Woreda, Zone 2 of the Afar region.

In response, the Tigray Regional State Peace and Security Bureau denied the allegations, stating, “We have neither launched an attack nor taken control of any territory.”

The Tigray Regional Interim Administration also countered these claims in a statement released Thursday evening, condemning the accusations from Afar authorities. It asserted that Tigray has faced repeated provocations, including the deliberate formation and arming of groups within Afar aimed at inciting conflict and destabilizing both regions.

The statement further stated that armed factions operating under the name “Hara Meret” have consistently attacked areas around Koneba and Abaala over the past months. It also claimed that forces from Megale and Tonsa attempted to disrupt activities in Dederban, Tsehafti, and Gerbagew—locations where the Interim Administrator was scheduled to meet with residents and investors from Raya Azebo and Raya Chercher. These disruptions reportedly aimed to block the Mekelle–Mekoni main road.

Additionally, the Interim Administration issued a warning against any attempts—intentional or otherwise—to exploit current challenges to destabilize Tigray or reignite conflict. “Such actions are fundamentally opposed to the interests and security of the Tigrayan people,” the statement emphasized. “We urge all those supporting or directing such efforts to cease immediately.”