Eritrea won its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after the fall of Ethiopian dictator Haile Mengistu Mariam in 1991. Ethiopian rebels, who now form the heart of the Ethiopian government, fought against the Mengistu regime in an alliance with Eritrean rebels who were fighting for independence. They were rewarded with nationhood when Ethiopian rebels took control of the country. Last year's fighting was greeted with shock that two such closely allied governing groups should resort to war to settle what seemed a minor disagreement. The disputed territory comprises little more than rocks.
Pride seems to be one of the factors behind the conflict.
Both sides have used the lull since June to re-arm, and now are reported to have large numbers of troops and quantities of military equipment on or near the front line.