``The large-scale offensive that Ethiopia launched (on Tuesday)... was repulsed with Ethiopia suffering the biggest losses in a day since it resumed its war of aggression almost two weeks ago,'' the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

``Four Ethiopian MiG-23 fighter planes were shot down,'' the statement added.

There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia on Eritrea's claims, but Wednesday night officials said all its planes had returned safely to bases.

Ethiopia and Eritrea first came to blows over disputed border territory two years ago, but the conflict erupted into a full-scale war 12 days ago when Ethiopia began a new offensive through the western front.