Eritrean–Ethiopian War
, the area has been increasingly unstable, as tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain high after the Eritrean–Ethiopian War of 1998 to 2000. On January 18, 2012 five foreign tourists were murdered while on holiday in the region. The Ethiopian government has accused Eritrean gunmen of being responsible for the attack. Many governments around the world advise against traveling to the Afar region, citing increasing security concerns.