Explosions shook Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa overnight following an indefinite government ban on all drone flights, as fighting escalated across the northern region of Tigray and diplomatic sources reported suspected drone strikes targeting military installations.
Blasts Shake Addis Ababa After Drone Ban
A series of blasts echoed across Addis Ababa on Wednesday night, shaking residents just hours after the National Intelligence and Security Service announced an indefinite ban on all drone flights over the capital and its surrounding areas for security reasons. An intelligence service official who was unauthorized to speak publicly confirmed that three blasts occurred in separate locations, while diplomatic sources reported hearing explosions near defense installations overnight.
A diplomatic source described hearing a blast near the defense headquarters at 7 p.m. local time, followed by wailing sirens, and residents near the same military zone reported hearing another explosion past midnight near a factory. Security sources in the capital later reported that defense systems had detected what they described as a simultaneous terrorist attack attempt using suicide drones targeting vital facilities.
“The attack aimed to strike the military command headquarters in the Tor Hailoch area, as well as the vicinity of the 24th Infantry Division headquarters in the Kirkos district of central Addis Ababa.”
An Ethiopian security source in the capital, via Mada Masr
A resident living near the Tor Hailoch military headquarters reported hearing two explosions, the first occurring at 6:30 am and a second one forty-five minutes later, accompanied by ambulances and fire trucks rushing through the streets. The National Intelligence and Security Service announced the deployment of anti-drone systems and specialized teams to protect critical infrastructure and airspace following the decision to prohibit drone operations.
Opposition Alliance Claims Drone Strikes in Capital
A source linked to the opposition alliance currently fighting federal forces in northern Ethiopia claimed that the coalition carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including operations directed at the military command headquarters. If confirmed, the action would mark the first known drone attack by anti-government forces against the Ethiopian capital. Opposition alliance forces were not previously known to operate armed drones, though a pro-government militia in Tigray reported capturing drone frames and batteries from forces linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Spokespeople for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office, the federal government, and the military did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the explosions or the opposition’s claims of responsibility.
Escalating Conflict Across Tigray and Afar Fronts
The clashes in northern Ethiopia marked the country’s biggest escalation of violence since the end of the 2020-2022 civil war, evolving into a network of battle fronts extending from the outskirts of the capital to southern Tigray and Afar. Meanwhile, federal forces have continued their ground operations, and rebels recently took control of several towns while the Tigray People’s Liberation Front took over the region’s main airport, forcing a suspension of flights.
The United Nations has called for a de-escalation of the fighting and dialogue between the government and seven opposition groups that formed an alliance to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Civilians trapped by the widening conflict describe severe disruptions to daily life. Residents near the Hitsats camp in northwestern Tigray—home to about 16,000 people who have lived there for six years and now fear further displacement—reported hearing fighting supported by heavy artillery and spotting drones hovering in the sky every day. In Mekelle, communication, banking, and other essential services have been disrupted by the fighting.
“People cannot buy anything because they lack cash, so we cannot sell. My current stock won’t last more than a month. My only hope is that all these challenges pass and peace is restored in Tigray.”
Abdelaziz Ahmed, merchant in Mekelle, via The Independent
The lack of cash and disrupted banking services have severely affected local commerce, while fuel prices have doubled on the black market. A taxi driver who declined to be named out of fear for his safety stated that the war has made life extremely difficult, leaving residents without enough money for food or rent.
