**Explosions Erupt in Addis Ababa Following Drone Flight Ban**
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Explosions were reported in Ethiopia's capital overnight, with multiple blasts occurring in the vicinity of the military headquarters and in the southern parts of the city. These incidents come just hours after the government imposed a ban on drone flights over Addis Ababa, amid rising tensions following recent armed conflicts in the northern regions of the country.
Residents and diplomatic sources indicated that the explosions were significant enough to trigger car alarms and were heard around 00:30 local time (21:30 GMT). One resident, living near the secret service base in the Gotera neighborhood, described the noise as "very loud" and alarming. Another individual from the western suburb of Torhayloch recounted that he and his friends were engaged in games when they were startled by the blasts.
The exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, and there have been no official confirmations regarding the locations affected, nor any reports of casualties or damage. Attempts to reach the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the defense ministry, and local police for comments have gone unanswered.
The timing of the explosions is particularly notable, as they follow a week of intensified fighting in northern Ethiopia, where government forces are clashing with a newly formed alliance of armed groups, including factions from the Tigray region. An opposition source claimed responsibility for the blasts, suggesting they were the result of drone strikes executed by their forces.
The situation in Ethiopia has been precarious, with security concerns escalating in the capital following the outbreak of violence. The government's recent decision to ban drone flights is seen as a response to the growing threat posed by armed groups operating in and around Addis Ababa.
As the situation develops, residents and observers remain on high alert, concerned about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. The government’s response and the implications of these events for the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia will be closely monitored in the coming days.