[2] Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have been brittle and tensions between the two countries have remained high after both countries fought each other in the Eritrean–Ethiopian War which lasted from 1998 to 2000, and since the end of the war there have been a number of small border skirmishes between the two countries using small arms, however the 2016 engagement utilized "medium- and long-range artillery".

[2] After an overnight battle, the troops were repelled on Monday, June 13, 2016.

[2] Ethiopian forces quickly withdrew back over the border, with Eritrea estimating Ethiopian losses at 200 dead and 300 wounded, Eritrea claims 18 losses during the battle.

[1][4] Ethiopian government spokesman Getachew Reda initially denied any knowledge of clashes between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

[5] Subsequent comments by the Ethiopian government spokesman claimed "there were significant casualties on both sides.