The U.S. Embassy in the tiny port nation of Djibouti, a key U.S. ally in the Horn of Africa, warned American citizens against traveling near the border with Eritrea after the two countries exchanged fire.
At least nine Djiboutians were killed and more than 60 injured in fighting this week, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said, condemning Eritrea's "military aggression" toward Djibouti.
"These hostilities represent an additional threat to peace and security in the already volatile Horn of Africa," Gallegos said Wednesday in Washington.
More than 1,200 U.S troops are stationed in Djibouti, which hosts the base for an anti-terrorism task force in the Horn of Africa. France also has a base in Djibouti, its former colony.
"For security and safety reasons, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to avoid traveling to northern Djibouti and to exercise caution if travel is essential," the embassy said in a statement Wednesday.
Djibouti's foreign minister has said Eritrea has launched a major military buildup on their border overlooking critical Red Sea shipping lanes. Skirmishes between the countries' troops have been reported this week.
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