Horn of Africa Security: Eritrea is accused of using the banned TPLF as a proxy to destabilize Ethiopia and turn Tigray into a “buffer zone” for a wider proxy war, while TPLF hardliners push renewed confrontation through coercive recruitment and militarization. Cross-Border Fighting Watch: Reports describe fresh clashes around Shererina and Western Tigray, with “Army 70” linked to TPLF-aligned forces operating from Sudanese territory, raising fears the Pretoria peace framework could unravel. Eritrea’s Regional Diplomacy: An Eritrean delegation joined the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, highlighting water and sanitation investments and reporting major gains in potable water coverage. US Visa Processing Shift: The US ended routine visa services in multiple African cities, redirecting applicants to regional hubs; Eritreans are among those affected, with services moved to Kampala. Migration and Borders: Eritrea is reported as the top nationality detected in UK illegal-route arrivals (mostly small boats), as Europe grapples with deadly crossing risks and enforcement pressure. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia announced a Red Sea/Gulf of Aden maritime defense alliance including Eritrea, aiming to protect shipping routes amid ongoing attacks and rerouting costs. Health & Enforcement: Police in Aweil seized 14 cartons of tramadol and arrested 11 people in a drug crackdown.