Drone strikes reported in Addis Ababa amid northern Ethiopia conflict

Overnight, residents of Addis Ababa heard explosions, according to three diplomatic sources. A source connected to the opposition alliance fighting federal troops in the north claimed the blasts were caused by several drone strikes, some aimed at the military headquarters. The report could not be independently confirmed, and spokespeople for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office, the federal government and the military have not commented.

If true, this would represent the first drone attack on the capital by anti-government forces. The national intelligence service has recently banned all drone flights over Addis Ababa for an indefinite period. Opposition forces were not previously known to possess operational drones, though recent captures of drone parts by a pro-government militia suggest they may have some capability.