Ethiopian opposition claims drone attacks in Addis Ababa after explosions

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Explosions Hit Addis Ababa As Ethiopia Conflict Widens

   Multiple explosions shook Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa following a government ban on drone flights, as renewed fighting between federal forces and an armed opposition coalition expanded southward from the northern frontier. Three diplomatic sources confirmed hearing the blasts overnight, while the federal government also ordered the closure of its embassy in Eritrea and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats. The diplomatic expulsions triggered a total rupture in relations as Asmara severed ties with Addis Ababa, amid unsubstantiated federal accusations that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are backing the rebel alliance.

   Why it matters

   The widening violence marks a severe escalation in a multi-front conflict that erupted in northern Ethiopia just weeks ago, threatening regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The clashes have already shuttered commercial aviation in the north, disrupted telecommunications across Tigray, and menaced critical trade corridors connecting Ethiopia to Djibouti. Regional tensions intensified rapidly as the African Union urged restraint to prevent a wider international crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
   • Ethiopia ordered the closure of its embassy in Eritrea and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata.
   • Eritrea severed all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia following the embassy closure and expulsions.
   • Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the opposition alliance, charges all three countries deny.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A source linked to the opposition alliance claimed the coalition carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including some targeting military headquarters.

   What to watch next

   • Independent verification of the alleged drone strikes inside Addis Ababa
   • Official government or military statements regarding damage or casualties from the capital blasts
   • Further diplomatic or military developments along the Eritrea-Ethiopia border
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The Jerusalem Post — Ethiopian opposition claims drone attacks in Addis Ababa after explosions
   2. Reuters — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital as war waged in north
   3. The Hill — Blasts reported in Ethiopian capital hours after government banned drone flights
   4. BBC — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital after drone flights banned
   5. Bloomberg.com — Two Blasts Heard in Ethiopian Capital as Drone Flights Suspended
   6. www.jpost.com — Explosions reportedly heard in Ethiopian capital following drone strikes by anti-gov't. alliance
   7. addisinsight.net — Ethiopia’s New War: The First 11 Days
   8. www.ynetnews.com — Eritrea cuts ties with Ethiopia as rebels claim drone attack on Addis Ababa - ynetglobal
   9. www.aljazeera.com — Blasts heard in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia conflict widens in the north | Conflict News
   10. www.cnbcafrica.com — Explosions heard in Ethiopia’s capital as war waged in north | CNBC Africa
   11. ghanaiantimes.com.gh — Blasts heard in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia conflict widens - Ghanaian Times
   12. english.aawsat.com — Explosions Heard Overnight in Ethiopia's Capital
   confidence 95%