Explosions Rock Ethiopian Capital After Drone Flights Banned
Residents reported overnight blasts in Addis Ababa, with opposition forces claiming responsibility for drone strikes.
Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, with residents reporting blasts in the vicinity of the military headquarters in the west and in the southern part of the city. The explosions occurred hours after authorities banned drone flights over the capital.
A source linked to opposition fighters told Reuters news agency that they were behind what they described as drone strikes.
One resident in a southern area of the city, near the secret service base, described the event as "very loud" and "strong enough to set off car alarms." This explosion was estimated to have occurred around 00:30 local time (21:30 GMT).
Another resident in the western suburb of Torhayloch, close to the military headquarters, also reported hearing an explosion.
There have been no official reports confirming the cause of the blasts, the specific locations affected, or any resulting casualties or damage. Requests for comment from the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the defense ministry, and federal and Addis Ababa police have not been answered.
The events follow a week after fighting erupted north of the capital between the Ethiopian army and a newly formed alliance of armed groups, which includes forces from the Tigray region.