Explosions reported in Addis Ababa hours after Ethiopia bans drone flights over capital
Why It MattersAirspace restrictions and unconfirmed strikes near a capital's military sites raise operational risk considerations for flight planning and overflight decisions in the region.
Explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, with blasts reported near the military headquarters in the west of the city and in a southern neighbourhood, according to residents and diplomatic sources. The incidents occurred hours after drone flights were banned over the capital and about one week after fighting erupted in northern Ethiopia between the army and a newly formed alliance of armed groups that includes forces from the Tigray region.
A source linked to the opposition fighters told Reuters they were responsible for what they described as drone strikes. A resident in the southern Gotera area, near the base of the secret service, told BBC Amharic an explosion strong enough to set off car alarms occurred around 00:30 local time. Another resident, in the western suburb of Torhayloch near the military headquarters, said he and friends heard an explosion while playing games.
No official reports have confirmed the cause of the explosions, the exact locations affected, or whether there were casualties or damage. The office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the defence ministry, and federal and Addis Ababa police had not responded to requests for comment.
