Ethiopia has announced the seizure of a massive cache of ammunition allegedly destined for armed rebel groups, sparking fears of escalating conflict with Eritrea.


The Ethiopian police said the shipment was found in the northern Amhara region, intended to supply the Fano militia, and that two individuals linked to the consignment were taken into custody.


Eritrea has dismissed the claims, accusing Ethiopia of using false allegations to justify a military campaign.


In a Facebook post, Ethiopian authorities said, “The preliminary investigation conducted on the two suspects who were caught red-handed has confirmed that the ammunition was sent by the Shabiya government.”


They added that more than 56,000 rounds were confiscated, and the case is under further investigation.


Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel denied the accusation and suggested Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s party was searching for a reason to launch hostilities.


“Eritrea had no involvement in this matter,” he said, warning that such claims only worsen tensions.


The two nations have a long and often violent history. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after decades of armed struggle, leaving Ethiopia without a coastline.


A border war that broke out in 1998 claimed over 100,000 lives. In 2018, the two countries signed an agreement to restore diplomatic relations, culminating in Eritrean forces supporting Ethiopia during the Tigray war.


Relations deteriorated after Eritrea was left out of the peace deal ending the northern conflict in 2022. Since then, Ethiopia has faced ongoing rebellion from the Fano militia, which now controls significant areas in Amhara. Tensions have also grown over Ethiopia’s request for access to the Red Sea through Eritrean territory, which Eritrea has repeatedly rejected.


Earlier this week, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki said his country does not seek war but is prepared to defend itself if necessary. Prime Minister Abiy has maintained that Ethiopia aims to resolve the dispute through dialogue and is not seeking conflict.