Explosions Rock Addis Ababa After Drone Ban Amidst Escalating Conflict

Residents of Addis Ababa reported hearing significant explosions overnight, with some blasts occurring near the military headquarters in the west of the city and others in the southern areas. These incidents followed an announcement by Ethiopian authorities imposing an indefinite ban on drone flights over the capital.

The explosions have heightened concerns about the escalating conflict, which began last week. Fighting erupted between the Ethiopian army and a newly formed alliance of armed groups, notably including forces from the Tigray region. A source linked to the opposition fighters claimed responsibility for drone strikes, although official confirmation and details on casualties or damage remain unconfirmed.

Residents described the blasts as powerful, causing car alarms to sound. The timing of the explosions, mere hours after the drone flight ban, adds a layer of tension to the already volatile situation. The Ethiopian government has yet to release official statements regarding the cause or extent of the blasts.

Simultaneously, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry announced the closure of its embassy in neighboring Eritrea and the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats, citing “involvement in activities that pose a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security.” This action comes despite Eritrea’s government denying allegations of backing the new rebel alliance.

The current conflict follows a brutal two-year civil war between the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which ended with a peace deal in 2022. Both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement. Last month, seven armed movements, including the TPLF and an Amhara militia, formed an alliance aiming to overthrow the government.

Verification of events on the ground remains challenging due to restricted access and communication blackouts in conflict zones. Reports indicate that the national army and pro-government militias are advancing in Tigray, while heavy fighting has also been reported in the Amhara and Afar regions, displacing tens of thousands.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374926/explosions-heard-in-ethiopias-capital-after-drone-flights-banned