Explosions in Addis Ababa and Opposition Blamed for Drone Attacks

Three explosions were heard in different locations in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, as fighting in the north of the country continues to spread, and investigations are still ongoing to determine the official cause of the explosions.

An official from the Ethiopian intelligence agency and diplomatic sources confirmed that explosions were heard in parts of the city, but it was not clear what caused them or if they were related to the conflict in the north of the country.

One of the explosions was heard near the headquarters of the Ethiopian Defense Forces, while another explosion was heard around a factory located in the same area.

Witnesses reported that no visible damage was seen from the explosions near the military headquarters, raising further questions about where the explosions originated.

Sources linked to the opposition coalition told Reuters that several attacks were carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles, which included strikes targeting the military headquarters. However, this claim has not yet been independently verified.

The federal government of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Defense Forces, and the TPLF have not responded to requests regarding the claims of drone attacks.

Hours before the explosions were heard, the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service announced that all unmanned aerial vehicle flights in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas were temporarily banned. This action came amid concerns that the fighting in the north of the country could affect the security of the capital.

The opposition forces were previously not widely known to possess armed drones, but emerging reports indicate that they may have access to parts and technical capabilities related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

If investigations confirm that the explosions in Addis Ababa resulted from drone attacks carried out by the opposition forces, the incident could represent a new technological and geographical development in the Ethiopian conflict, as it would indicate that combat capabilities have reached beyond the northern frontlines.

This situation could also raise concerns that the conflict in northern Ethiopia may spread to other areas of the country, especially if attacks are launched on key government and military installations in the capital.

However, so far there is no independent confirmation indicating who was behind the explosions, the type of weapon used, or the resulting casualties, as investigations are still ongoing.