Throughout January 2026, Eritrea has significantly increased its military readiness, initiating a mass mobilization of reservists to bolster the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF). Reports from international observers and regional news outlets indicate that men up to the age of 55 have been called to active duty. This mobilization follows a series of 'Foreign Policy' assessments identifying the Ethiopia-Eritrea border as one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints for 2026. Tensions have been further exacerbated by Eritrea's active support for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in their conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the Ethiopian border. Military analysts note that both Eritrea and Ethiopia have reinforced heavy artillery and drone units along the disputed border areas of northern Tigray and the Afar region, where a 'staring contest' between the two nations has turned increasingly hostile.