The Tigray War resumed late last month, with Ethiopian federal forces entering Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and other rebel groups withdrawing from the city. Eritrean troops have reportedly entered northern Tigrayan towns, adding a potential regional dimension to the conflict. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated that seeking access to the Red Sea is a strategic priority, sparking regional tensions. On October 4, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia met in New Alamein, Egypt, to discuss regional issues and pledged to enhance cooperation, expressing concerns about Ethiopia's regional ambitions in the Red Sea, Nile, and Horn of Africa. Ethiopia closed its embassy in Eritrea and expelled diplomats on October 1, followed by Eritrea severing diplomatic ties.