Ethiopia’s reported filling of Nile dam heats up tensions with Egypt, Sudan

Cairo is ramping up pressure on Addis Ababa again in tandem with Khartoum's forces.
People hold placards to express their support for Ethiopia's mega-dam on the Blue Nile River as faithfuls gather to attend the Eid al-Fitr morning prayer sermon at a soccer stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 13, 2021 as Muslims across the globe mark the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.
People hold placards to express their support for Ethiopia's mega-dam on the Blue Nile River as the faithful gather to attend the Eid al-Fitr morning prayer sermon at a soccer stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 13, 2021, as Muslims across the globe mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. - AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Egypt and Sudan held joint military drills in Sudan this week amid reports that Ethiopia had begun a second filling of its controversial Nile dam.

Egyptian ground, naval and air forces, including special forces and paratroopers, participated in the Guardians of the Nile exercise, which kicked off Thursday, an Egyptian military spokesman spokesman said.

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