Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital after drone flights banned
Overnight explosions were reported in Addis Ababa shortly after the Ethiopian government banned drone flights in the capital. Reports on the number of blasts vary between two and three. These incidents occur as conflict intensifies in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and a new alliance of armed groups. Ethiopia has also expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Eritrea, signaling a sharp decline in diplomatic relations amid the widening regional war.
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- ✓ Explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa.
- ✓ The Ethiopian government banned drone flights in the capital hours before the blasts.
- ✓ Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Eritrea.
- ✓ Fighting between the army and an alliance of armed groups began north of the capital one week ago.
What changed
Reports now link the Addis Ababa explosions to a government ban on drone flights and a diplomatic rupture with Eritrea.
Live updates
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Explosions hit Addis Ababa following government drone ban
Overnight explosions were reported in Addis Ababa shortly after the Ethiopian government banned drone flights in the capital. Reports on the number of blasts vary between two and three. These incidents occur as conflict intensifies in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and a new alliance of armed groups. Ethiopia has also expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Eritrea, signaling a sharp decline in diplomatic relations amid the widening regional war.
Why it matters
Fighting erupted north of the capital one week ago between the army and an opposition alliance. The conflict has spread to neighboring regions, resulting in 52 civilian deaths in Tigray and stranding tourists in Lalibela.
What is confirmed
- Explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa.
- The Ethiopian government banned drone flights in the capital hours before the blasts.
- Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Eritrea.
- Fighting between the army and an alliance of armed groups began north of the capital one week ago.
Still unconfirmed
- An opposition alliance carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including targets at military headquarters.
- The blasts in Addis Ababa totaled three.
- The blasts in Addis Ababa totaled two.
What to watch next
- Verification of drone strike claims by independent investigators.
- Official government statements regarding the cause of the Addis Ababa explosions.
- Further diplomatic responses from Eritrea following the embassy closure.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (21)
- The Jerusalem Post — Ethiopian opposition claims drone attacks in Addis Ababa after explosions
- Reuters — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital as war waged in north
- BBC — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital after drone flights banned
- Bloomberg.com — Two Blasts Heard in Ethiopian Capital as Drone Flights Suspended
- AP News — Blasts reported in Ethiopian capital hours after government banned drone flights
- Al Jazeera — Blasts heard in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia conflict widens in the north
- Addis Standard — News: Overnight explosions reported in Addis Abeba amid northern Ethiopia fighting
- www.bbc.co.uk — Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital after drone flights banned - BBC
- www.jpost.com — Explosions reportedly heard in Ethiopian capital following drone strikes by anti-gov't. alliance
- www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopia fighting escalates in Tigray killing 52 civilians, medic tells the BBC
- www.ksat.com — Blasts reported in Ethiopian capital hours after government banned drone flights
- www.indiatoday.in — Addis Ababa blasts heard after Ethiopia drone ban as Tigray fighting intensifies - India Today
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