Ethiopian Derg Government 1st Military Campaign Against EPLF

Battle map of the multi-pronged, first military campaign of the Ethiopian army against Eritrean freedom fighters of ELF and EPLF on June 13, 1978.

The first military campaign of the Ethiopian army against the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) started on June 13, 1978 when it launched the attack from Grhu Srnai. The strategy the EPLF reverted to was to weaken the Ethiopian Derg regime forces by engaging them in favorable battle locations. This first of its scale, multi-pronged offensive campaign of 1978 lasted for one month.

Initial Ethiopian Advances

The Ethiopian forces stationed in Humera marched towards Omhajer, facing little opposition from the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). They passed through Teseney and reached Barentu. The Ethiopian troops advancing from Adi-Daero in the west also entered Barentu via Shambqo. As a result, it was evident the city of Keren was under threat.

Attempts to Slow the Ethiopian Advance

Some EPLF units intercepted the Ethiopians at Mogolo to try and halt their momentum towards Keren. However, they failed to stop the advance and the Ethiopian army entered Agordat (Aqurdet). The EPLF then established a defensive line at Engerne after being breached at Mogolo.

ELF’s Dogged Engagement

The ELF marched through Rama and engaged the Ethiopians at Enda Giorgis halting their advance for one month, even managing to capture nine Ethiopian tanks. Ultimately, the Ethiopian forces broke through the ELF as well, taking Adi Kuala and reaching Mendefera.

EPLF Reorganization and Ethiopian Capture of Asmara

Despite a month of fighting, the Ethiopians moved towards Asmara. Recognizing the threat of encirclement in southern Eritrea, the EPLF swiftly reorganized its forces, withdrawing from the southern front and reopening roads to Asmara. As a result, the Ethiopian army took control of key access roads, the Asmara-Mereb and Asmara-Zalambessa roads.

EPLF tegadelti in battle holding a defensive position.

Attempted Ethiopian Advance in the North

On August 31, 1978, after taking Asmara, the Ethiopian army launched an attack on the Eritrean Northern Front. They advanced as far as Meqerka but were pushed back by the EPLF to Adi Gebru and forced to retreat.

EPLF Withdrawal from Massawa

On the Eastern Front, the EPLF withdrew from the port city of Massawa as the Ethiopians had moved further inland. The EPLF established a new defensive line at Degoli, ending the first 1978 Derg government’s offensive campaign.

Aftermath and New Eritrean Defensive Lines

When this first 1978 invasion concluded, the EPLF forces established a defensive line in the east at Degoli and the north from the ridgeline at Dirfo through Kuazien to Embaderho. In the Adi Habslus area, another Eritrean defensive line extended through Adi Yakob to Adi Gebru.

The Ethiopian troops from Segeneyti and Dekemhare had to be stopped from advancing further toward Mai Habar and Adi Rosso. Therefore, the Eritrean front line at Sedici remained as is, stretching to Z’gb through Gul’i and continuing to the Qetsela. The newly formed Eritrean front line at Engerne was facing Agordat and its surroundings.