Several loud explosions rattled the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa overnight, hitting areas near key military installations and the southern districts of the city. The unsettling blasts occurred just hours after authorities enforced a strict, indefinite ban on all drone flights over the metropolitan region, a security measure implemented by the National Intelligence and Security Service to safeguard critical infrastructure and national leadership.

The explosions follow a sharp escalation in armed hostilities in northern Ethiopia, where federal forces have resumed clashes with a coalition of regional armed movements, including Tigrayan fighters. While government officials have yet to issue formal statements detailing the cause, exact locations, or potential casualties of the overnight blasts, opposition-linked factions have claimed responsibility for orchestrating drone strikes within the capital.

Simultaneously, diplomatic tensions have reached a boiling point as the Ethiopian foreign ministry announced the closure of its embassy in neighboring Eritrea and ordered the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats. Addis Ababa accused the expelled officials of engaging in activities that directly threaten national security, allegations that Asmara has strongly denied, dismissing them as attempts to deflect from internal political turmoil. The deteriorating relations underscore a broader geopolitical crisis threatening regional stability.

On the ground, humanitarian conditions are rapidly worsening as fighting spreads across multiple fronts, displacing tens of thousands of civilians in the Afar and Amhara regions. Communication blackouts and restricted access continue to obscure the full scale of the crisis, leaving humanitarian agencies struggling to deliver aid to vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire of the renewed conflict.

Key Takeaways

• Explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa near military and security installations following a newly imposed drone flight ban.
• Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy, citing direct threats to national security amid denials from Asmara.
• Renewed fighting between federal forces and regional armed alliances has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and worsened humanitarian conditions.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The resurgence of armed conflict in Ethiopia, compounded by deteriorating diplomatic ties with Eritrea, poses a severe threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa. The expansion of fighting beyond traditional regional borders into key transit and historical corridors severely disrupts regional trade, displaces local populations, and strains an already fragile economy. Economically, Ethiopia’s ongoing push for direct maritime access, combined with internal security instability, creates profound uncertainty for foreign investors and international partners. The indefinite suspension of civil aviation and drone use in the capital highlights the acute security paranoia gripping the administration. Looking forward, unless regional mediation mechanisms are urgently revitalized, the country risks descending into a protracted multi-front civil war that could destabilize the entire East African geopolitical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were drone flights banned in Addis Ababa?
A: The National Intelligence and Security Service imposed an indefinite ban on drone flights to protect national leaders, critical infrastructure, and major public events amid mounting security concerns.

Q: Why did Ethiopia expel Eritrean diplomats?
A: The Ethiopian foreign ministry expelled ten Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy, claiming they were involved in activities that posed a direct threat to national security.

Q: What caused the recent escalation in Ethiopia?
A: Clashes broke out following months of tension between the federal government and regional armed groups, including forces from Tigray, who accuse each other of violating previous peace agreements and initiating hostilities.