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🚨 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns of broader Ethiopia-Eritrea war amid military buildup along border U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, warning that the buildup of troops on both sides of their shared border could trigger a broader regional war involving neighboring countries. During a press Q&A at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on October 17th, Rubio characterized the recent fighting inside Ethiopia as involving separatist attacks followed by an Ethiopian military response. He also condemned what he described as terrorist attacks, including drone strikes against Ethiopia’s capital, while urging the Abiy regime to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. Rubio confirmed that he had personally spoken with Ethiopian officials earlier in the week and disclosed that Washington had increased diplomatic communication with Eritrea over the past several months. He defended the recent lifting of limited Ethiopia-related sanctions, arguing that greater engagement with both countries would strengthen U.S. efforts to mediate tensions. Emphasizing the risk of a wider regional war, Rubio urged a measured response, warning that further escalation could draw additional countries into the fighting. “The last thing the world needs right now is another war,” he stated.