The US has issued a warning to its citizens residing in Eritrea amid escalating confrontations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
In a short statement issued today, the US Embassy in Asmara advised US citizens to exercise caution due to travel restrictions, landmines, wrongful detention, and limited consular assistance, as fighting rages in northern Ethiopia near the Eritrean border.
The statement warned that Eritrea does not recognize dual citizenship, meaning US-Eritrean citizens could be prohibited from leaving the country, conscripted into national service, or subjected to local taxation.
The Embassy added that its ability to assist citizens is limited if its staff travels beyond 25 km from Asmara, and advised all US citizens to be prepared for a possible evacuation.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea reached a climax two weeks ago when the Federal government and the TPLF—whom Ethiopia claims is supported by Eritrea—engaged in an open war following the total collapse of the Pretoria Agreement, which had ended the previous conflict.
Two days ago, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos wrote a letter to the UNSC, warning of the possibility of a direct Ethio-Eritrea conflict unless Eritrean forces, which he claimed crossed the border, are withdrawn immediately.
Eritrea denied these accusations, stating that Ethiopia plans to use them as a pretext to launch an offensive.
