US urges 'restraint' after Ethiopia-Eritrea border skirmish

Washington – The United States voiced "grave concern" on Tuesday after fiery weekend clashes between arch rivals Ethiopia and Eritrea.

"We call for both sides to exercise restraint and engage in political dialogue," US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement.

Sunday's fighting resulted in untold heavy losses claimed by both sides along the heavily fortified frontier in East Africa, making it one of the worst battles since the 1998-2000 border war.

That conflict ended with a cessation of hostilities agreement that barred a military solution between the enemy nations.

Kirby urged "both Ethiopia and Eritrea to cooperate in promoting stability and sustainable peace in the region."