Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic relations after Ethiopia ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave its capital and closed its embassy in Asmara.
The move follows renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, where the federal forces are battling the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied militias.
Eritrea, accusing Ethiopia of threatening national security, echoed the decision and warned of “negative corollaries.”
The rift comes at a time of rising hostilities. Powerful explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa near the intelligence headquarters, and the National Intelligence and Security Service has banned drone flights over the capital.
Ethiopia’s military claims fighters have made gains in southern Tigray, advancing towards Mekelle, while accusations of Eritrean support for the rebels have high stakes for regional stability.
The African Union and the United Nations have urged restraint, warning that the conflict is hampering humanitarian aid and threatening civilian safety.
