US calls on Ethiopia and Eritrea, on the brink of war, to avoid violations

According to a written statement from the US State Department, Rubio spoke on the phone with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During the meeting, the parties discussed the "increasing tension" between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Stating that they expect the parties to make efforts to "reduce tensions", Rubio called for "avoiding cross-border violations" in the Horn of Africa. Stating that the region cannot afford any more conflict, Rubio noted that all countries here must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their neighbors.

In his letter dated October 8, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos claimed that Eritrean troops had entered his country's territory, asked for the withdrawal of troops, and stated to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that Ethiopia had no choice but to defend itself.

Eritrea, on the other hand, rejected Ethiopia's justification of self-defense, accused Addis Ababa of trying to gain access to the Red Sea by force, and asked the UNSC to take deterrent measures. Eritrea's response letter did not explicitly confirm or deny the claim that troops had entered Ethiopia.