Furthermore, they say, it could become a satellite of Libya, which has long supported the Eritrean rebels with arms.
Eritrean rebels and bandits also operate in the area at times.
Together, these travelers are escorted to the front lines of the war by a group of Eritrean rebels.
Last month, the Eritrean rebels announced that they would release 10,000 prisoners of war, leaving the captives free to go home.
The Ethiopian army claimed that the town was notorious for harboring Eritrean rebels.
Afar is regarded as a haunt of both Ethiopian and Eritrean rebels.
The Government and Eritrean rebels agree to peace talks.
The Eritrean and Tigrean rebels had been at odds, but this spring they signed an agreement that included military cooperation.
Eritrean rebels, under various names, have been fighting for independence for their northern province for 28 years.
At the same time, Eritrean rebels began to fight for independence against a country 20 times its size.