Residents of Ethiopia’s capital said they heard loud explosions early Saturday morning, shortly after the government announced a ban on drone flights over Addis Ababa. The sounds were reported from two separate areas – one close to the military headquarters in the western part of the city and another in the southern Gotera neighbourhood.
What happened
According to eyewitnesses, the first blast was heard around 00:30 local time (21:30 GMT) in Gotera. A resident told BBC Amharic, "It was very loud. It was strong enough to set off car alarms." A second explosion was reported in the western suburb of Torhayloch, an area that neighbours the military headquarters. Another local said he and his friends were playing games when the noise occurred.
Context of the ban
The explosions came just hours after authorities announced a ban on drone flights over Addis Ababa. The restriction follows a week of intensified fighting in Ethiopia’s north, where the national army has clashed with a newly formed alliance of armed groups that includes forces from the Tigray region. A source linked to the opposition fighters told Reuters that they were responsible for what they described as drone strikes, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Reactions and uncertainty
Neither the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the defence ministry, nor the federal and Addis Ababa police have responded to requests for comment. As a result, several key details remain unclear:
- Cause of the explosions: No official reports have verified whether the blasts were caused by drones, conventional explosives, or another source.
- Exact locations: While residents identified Gotera and Torhayloch, the precise points of impact have not been confirmed.
- Casualties and damage: There is no information on injuries, fatalities, or property damage.
Given the lack of official statements, the situation remains fluid, and further verification is needed to determine the nature of the explosions and any potential link to the recent drone ban.
What to watch
Observers will be monitoring statements from Ethiopian security agencies and any follow‑up reporting from international news outlets. Confirmation of the explosions’ cause, as well as any response from the opposition groups, could provide insight into whether the ban on drone flights is being enforced or challenged.
In the meantime, the incident underscores the heightened tension in Addis Ababa as the country grapples with ongoing conflict in the north and the government's attempts to curb aerial threats over its capital.