As Sudan recalls the envoy, Ethiopia denies involvement in the border killings

Sudan has protested the reported death of seven Sudanese soldiers in a disputed border territory by recalling its ambassador to Addis Abeba and summoning Ethiopia's ambassador.

Ethiopia has refuted claims that its armed forces are responsible for the deaths, saying in a statement that it regretted the "loss of life" without providing a figure, and accusing Sudanese forces of inciting the conflict by invading Ethiopian territory with the help of fighters from the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front.

Additionally, the incident was alleged "deliberately contrived to weaken relations" between the two countries, according to a statement.

The Sudanese military said on Sunday that its troops had been kidnapped, slain, and then had their bodies exhibited in public. Although it promised a reaction to the killings, it made no mention of the specific steps it would take.

Ethiopia and Sudan have been at odds over the rich agricultural region of al-Fashaga near their common border.

Over the years, there have been numerous clashes between the soldiers of Ethiopia and Sudan, but they have intensified in recent months. The 2008 compromise agreement between the two countries did not succeed in putting an end to the conflict.

Ethiopia's construction of a significant hydroelectric dam along the River Nile is another point of contention between Ethiopia and Sudan.