Overview
- Ethiopian federal police report seizing 56,000 rounds of ammunition in Amhara and arresting two suspects in a region where Fano rebels have fought since 2023.
- Police say a preliminary investigation links the shipment to Eritrea's ruling party, a charge Eritrea denies.
- Eritrea's information minister labeled the case a false flag and accused Ethiopia's ruling party of seeking a pretext for an attack.
- President Isaias Afwerki said Eritrea does not want war and will defend itself, while Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said he seeks a peaceful path on sea access.
- Analysts warn the deteriorating relationship, following Eritrea's withdrawal from IGAD, risks disrupting Red Sea trade routes and regional security.