Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia, accusing the government of launching drones into Khartoum International Airport that forced authorities to suspend operations for three days.
A Sudanese army general alleged the drones were supplied by the United Arab Emirates, warning that "what Ethiopia and the UAE have done is a direct aggression against Sudan."
In the past, the UAE has denied allegations of any involvement in the Sudan conflict.
Ethiopia dismissed the claims as "baseless," instead accusing Sudan of backing Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) mercenaries.
Speaking to Al Jazeera from Nairobi, Alan Boswell, Horn of Africa Director at the International Crisis Group, who described a "worrying escalation" between two countries facing massive internal challenges.
He said Sudan's war has "no clear off-ramp" and is "starting to tear apart the Horn of Africa region." Both sides see the other as supporting their armed opponents, with ample evidence that the UAE backs the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Boswell warned of a risk that the conflicts in both countries could "become merged" into a "much wider and messy entangled war."
On de-escalation, Boswell said outside players are now so deeply involved that some de-escalation needs to come from outside the region.
Sudan's General Burhan and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy have the ability to de-escalate themselves but may be "emboldened" by their outside backers.
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