Rubio urges measured Ethiopian response, warns of wider war near Eritrean border
In October 17 remarks, Marco Rubio urged a measured Ethiopian response to security threats and warned that military buildups near Eritrea could lead to a wider war.
In short
- In October 17 remarks, Marco Rubio urged a measured Ethiopian response to security threats and warned that military buildups near Eritrea could lead to a wider war.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Ethiopia to respond cautiously to security threats on October 17, 2026, warning that military buildups near the Eritrean border could widen into a regional war.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Rubio said troop concentrations on both sides of the border were a cause for concern. The Reporter covered the remarks on October 18; a State Department transcript distributed through Public also dates the exchange to October 17.
Rubio said he had spoken with Ethiopia’s leadership earlier that week. He acknowledged the security challenges facing the country while calling for a measured response to avoid drawing other states into the conflict.
Asked whether lifting Ethiopia-related sanctions had been a mistake, Rubio defended the decision. He said Washington hoped easing the measures would improve communication with Eritrea and support its ability to engage both governments.
His remarks describe Washington’s assessment. They do not independently establish troop positions or responsibility for attacks.
