Ethiopia bans drones after Addis Ababa explosions

Two explosions were heard during the night hours in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, coinciding with rising tensions and armed clashes in the northern Tigray region. Authorities have implemented strict security measures restricting unmanned aerial vehicle movements across the capital and its surrounding areas.

Explosions near key sites

Bloomberg reported, citing informed diplomats, that one blast occurred near the "4 Kilo" area in central Addis Ababa, while the second took place close to the headquarters of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. The nature of the explosions and their causes remain unclear. Ethiopian authorities have not officially confirmed a drone attack within the capital or disclosed the extent of damage and losses resulting from the incidents.

Indefinite flight restrictions

Hours before the blasts, the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) announced an open-ended ban on operating all types of drones in Addis Ababa and nearby regions, effective immediately. The agency confirmed it had stopped issuing operational permits for drones until further notice. It warned that any aircraft violating the order would be monitored, intercepted, and forced to land, with operators subject to legal action.

The NISS stated it is using integrated technologies to monitor the capital’s airspace and address threats associated with drones. In its announcement, the intelligence service did not directly link the ban to the renewed fighting in the north. This decision comes amid reports of drone attacks targeting military facilities and airports in various parts of Ethiopia, including the Harer Meda Air Base in Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa.

Conflict dynamics in Tigray

Data from conflict monitoring entities indicated several drone attacks on Ethiopian Air Force facilities occurred on September 27. The identity of the perpetrators for all these attacks has not been independently clarified. These developments in the capital coincide with rapid military escalation in northern Ethiopia, where fighting has resumed between federal forces and troops affiliated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front and its allies.

On September 23, Tigrayan forces reportedly seized control of Mekelle Airport. This development prompted Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. Tigrayan authorities declared they are acting in defense of the region, accusing federal forces of launching attacks using drones and artillery. Clashes continued in other areas of the north in subsequent days, while government forces announced the recapture of strategic locations, including Alamata in southern Tigray. Battlefield narratives from conflicting parties remain divergent as combat persists.

The African Union and the European Union expressed concern over the resumption of hostilities. Both bodies called on the parties to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid access.