ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, hours after authorities announced restrictions on drone flights over the city and surrounding areas.
Three diplomatic sources confirmed the blasts to Reuters.
A source linked to an armed opposition alliance claimed responsibility for drone strikes targeting military facilities.
Drone permits suspended indefinitely
Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service announced the drone restrictions on Wednesday, September 30, saying they would remain in place until further notice.
According to Addis Insight, which reported on the agency’s public notice, the suspension covers all types of drones and similar unmanned flying devices in Addis Ababa and nearby areas.
Authorities will also stop issuing drone flight permits.
The intelligence service said it was monitoring the capital’s airspace using anti-drone technology.
It warned that unauthorised devices would be intercepted and their operators traced and subjected to legal action.
Previously, individuals and organisations seeking to operate drones for work could apply for permission by submitting information about the purpose, location and equipment involved.
The notice concerns drone operations; it does not announce a suspension of commercial passenger flights at Addis Ababa’s international airport.
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia
The developments come amid renewed hostilities in northern Ethiopia, where fighting has threatened the peace process established after the 2020–2022 war.
In a September 23 statement, the African Union expressed concern over the seizure of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire, the detention of federal personnel and disruptions to civilian air services.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for restraint and immediate de-escalation.
He also asked former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa, to engage the parties and support renewed diplomatic efforts.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres separately expressed concern over intensified fighting in and around Tigray and the spread of hostilities into neighbouring areas.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire from September 23 because of deteriorating security conditions.
Those restrictions affected northern domestic destinations, separate from the drone ban announced over the capital.
