France says a small military contingent has arrived and more forces will be there in the coming days.

The judiciary says Soltani is not facing charges carrying the death penalty, while a rights group reports that the execution has been "postponed".

Eritrea denies the claim and accuses Ethiopia of seeking a pretext to attack, amid fears of renewed conflict.

At least four people are injured and there are also reports of extensive damage to nearby buildings, he local safety body says.

The tanker, Veronica, was seized in a predawn operation "without incident", the US military's Southern Command says.

The judiciary says Soltani is not facing charges carrying the death penalty, while a rights group reports that the execution has been "postponed".