Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, hours after authorities imposed an indefinite ban on drone flights amid renewed fighting in the country’s north.
Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that blasts were heard in different parts of the capital on Wednesday night. Residents reported explosions near the military headquarters in the west and in the southern part of the city. A source linked to the newly formed opposition alliance fighting federal forces in northern Ethiopia claimed the group carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including attacks targeting military facilities.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim. Ethiopian government and military officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. There were also no immediate official reports confirming the cause of the explosions, casualties or damage. One resident in the Gotera area told BBC Amharic that an explosion was loud enough to trigger car alarms. Another resident in the western suburb of Torhayloch, near the military headquarters, also reported hearing a blast.
The explosions came shortly after Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service announced an indefinite ban on drone operations over Addis Ababa and surrounding areas. The agency said the measure was intended to protect national leaders, critical infrastructure and major public events.
If the opposition claim is confirmed, it would represent the first known drone attack on Addis Ababa by the anti-government alliance. Reuters reported that the groups were not previously known to operate armed drones. Although there are indications that some members may now have drone capabilities.
Fighting Intensifies in Northern Ethiopia
The developments in Addis Ababa come about a week after fighting erupted in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and an alliance of seven armed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The renewed conflict marks the most serious escalation since the 2020-2022 Tigray war. One which ended with a peace agreement but left deep political and security tensions unresolved. Federal forces and allied militias have reportedly made gains in parts of Tigray, while fighting has also spread into neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.
Pro-government forces recently claimed the capture of Alamata, a strategically important town south of Tigray’s regional capital, Mekelle. Telecommunications and other essential services have also been disrupted in parts of the region. This has made independent verification of battlefield developments difficult.
The Ethiopian government has accused neighbouring Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting opposition forces, although the countries have denied involvement. Eritrea has separately rejected accusations that it is backing the newly formed alliance.
