The border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has taken a new turn, with Ethiopian jets trying to destroy a vital water source in Eritrea. An Ethiopian communique said Eritrean artillery, tanks, military rations and the reservoir were damaged in the raid at Harsele and that Eritrean soldiers suffered heavy losses. The reservoir is the main water source for Assab, which lies in the hot and dry lowlands. Water is scarce in the region where the Danakil desert carves out hundreds of kilometres of inhospitable terrain inhabited mainly by nomads.