Eritrean War of Independence

September 1, 1961 – May 29, 1991

Result EPLF victory

Thirty-year war in which Eritrean independence fighters, led from the 1970s by the EPLF, fought Ethiopian rule until they took Asmara in 1991.

October 13, 1974

Eritrean Civil Wars 1st Civil War: ELF fails to suppress rivals 2nd Civil War: ELF decisively defeated Isaias Afwerki, Meles Zenawi

1977 – 1978

First Battle of Massawa Ethiopian victory Merid Negussie

May 5, 1977

Siege of Barentu Ethiopian victory Barentu

March 17–20, 1988

Battle of Afabet EPLF victory Afabet

February 8–10, 1990

Second Battle of Massawa EPLF victory

Key commanders