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

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.