France, Oct. 8 -- Relations between the two neighbouring countries, who fought a border war from 1998 to 2000, have again deteriorated in recent months.

Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing rebels in its northern Tigray state, and the two countries severed diplomatic ties last week.

The government in Asmara in turn accuses Ethiopia of supporting its own opponents, and of looking for a pretext to invade its territory and seize direct access to the Red Sea.

Eritrean information minister, Yemane Meskel, said on X that Ethiopia was "openly working to bring about regime change in Eritrea by providing shelter and support to certain mercenaries who claim to be opposition".

Asmara's troops crossed the border this week and were positioned aroun...