As of February 28, 2026, the Horn of Africa stands on the brink of a major regional conflict. Humanitarian monitors and regional diplomats report that the Ethiopian federal government has deployed multiple mechanized divisions toward the Tigray region’s borders with Eritrea. This move follows recent skirmishes in the Tselemti and Wajirat districts. In Mekelle, the regional capital, residents are reportedly stockpiling food and fuel as Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights and banking services face disruptions. The escalation stems from a formal ultimatum issued by Ethiopia earlier this month, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) from territories Addis Ababa claims are being occupied. Eritrea has dismissed these claims as 'fabricated' pretexts for an invasion aimed at securing Red Sea access. International observers warn that the collapsing peace framework from the Pretoria Agreement has left a security vacuum that both nations are now filling with heavy armor.