Explosions Heard in Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa After Drone Flight Ban

Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, just hours after drone flights were banned over the city. This comes a week after fighting erupted in the north between the army and a newly formed alliance of armed groups, including forces from the Tigray region. Residents and diplomatic sources reported hearing blasts in areas near military headquarters and a secret service base.

Highlights

• Explosions were reported in Addis Ababa overnight, hours after a ban on drone flights was imposed.
• The blasts were heard near the military headquarters and a secret service base in the city.
• A source linked to opposition fighters claimed responsibility for what they described as drone strikes.
• Ethiopia closed its embassy in Eritrea and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, citing threats to national security.
• The renewed conflict stems from accusations of violating a 2022 peace deal between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Details

The explosions in Addis Ababa occurred shortly after the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) imposed an indefinite ban on drone flights in the capital and surrounding areas. NISS stated that this measure was necessary to protect national leaders, critical infrastructure, and major public events. There have been no official reports confirming the cause of the explosions, their exact locations, or any casualties or damage.

Last week, clashes broke out between the Ethiopian army and a new alliance of seven armed movements, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Amhara militia known as Fano. This alliance aims to remove the government in Addis Ababa. Both sides accuse each other of violating a 2022 peace deal that ended a brutal two-year civil war, which an African Union mediator estimated cost 600,000 lives.

Ethiopia's foreign ministry announced the closure of its embassy in neighboring Eritrea and the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats. The ministry claimed these diplomats were involved in activities posing a direct threat to Ethiopia's national security. The Eritrean government had previously denied supporting the new rebel alliance in an interview with the BBC.

Why it matters

The explosions in Addis Ababa and the drone ban highlight escalating security concerns in Ethiopia and the potential for the conflict between the government and armed groups to spread to the capital. The deterioration of diplomatic relations with Eritrea could further destabilize the region and jeopardize an already fragile peace process. This situation poses significant risks to the country's long-term peace and economic prosperity.