Addis Ababa Shaken by Evening Explosions Amid Drone Ban
For the first time in days, the calm of Ethiopia’s capital was broken by two loud explosions. Residents in the western suburb of Torhayloch and the southern neighbourhood of Gotera heard the blasts at around 00:30 local time, with some describing the sounds as enough to trigger car alarms.
The incidents arrived just hours after Addis Ababa’s government banned all drone flights—a move intended to curb the rising threat of unmanned aircraft used by armed groups across the country.
A source close to opposition forces told Reuters they were responsible for what they claimed were drone strikes. However, the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office, the defence ministry, and local police have yet to comment on the events or confirm casualties.
These events unfold against the backdrop of a week‑long escalation between the national army and a newly‑stitched alliance of rebel factions, many drawn from the Tigray region. The conflict has already strained Ethiopia’s fragile post‑war reconstruction and diverted critical resources from climate adaptation and environmental restoration projects.
Experts warn that the continued escalation could cripple efforts to restore degraded lands, secure water resources, and achieve the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. As Addis Ababa’s skyline stands tense, the international community watches, hoping for a swift resolution that prioritises both security and sustainable development.
