In brief
Residents in Addis Ababa heard loud blasts overnight, with explosions reported near the military headquarters in the west and another in the south of the city. The incidents followed a government ban on drone flights over the capital, coming one week after clashes erupted in northern Ethiopia between the army and newly formed rebel groups. A source close to the opposition fighters claimed responsibility, suggesting the blasts were drone strikes. While eyewitnesses described the impact as jarring and alarm‑raising, no official statement has confirmed the cause, locations, or any casualties. Authorities, including the Prime Minister’s office and the police, have not yet responded to inquiries.
Explosions were heard overnight across Addis Ababa, with reports of detonations near the western military headquarters and another in the southern part of the city, according to residents and diplomatic sources.
The blasts occurred hours after the government imposed a ban on drone flights over the capital, following a week of fighting between the army and a coalition of rebel groups including forces from the Tigray region.
A whistle‑blower with links to the opposition fighters told Reuters they were responsible for what they described as drone strikes.
“It was very loud. It was strong enough to set off car alarms,” said a resident of the Gotera neighbourhood, located near the base of the secret service, relaying that he heard the explosion around 00:30 local time.
Another witness from the western suburb of Torhayloch, close to the military headquarters, described the noise as a sudden, shocking burst they had not anticipated.
No official statement has confirmed what triggered the explosions, where exactly they happened, or whether there were casualties or significant damage.
The Prime Minister’s office, the defence ministry, and local police forces have not yet replied to requests for comment from the BBC.
