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Blasts Rock Ethiopian Capital Hours After Drone Ban Amid Tigray Conflict
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News18•01-10-2026, 16:15
Blasts Rock Ethiopian Capital Hours After Drone Ban Amid Tigray Conflict
- •Multiple blasts reported in Addis Ababa shortly after the government banned drone flights, raising concerns amid ongoing fighting in the Tigray region.
- •An intelligence official confirmed three blasts in different locations, while a diplomatic source and residents heard explosions near the defense headquarters.
- •The explosions occurred hours after the National Intelligence and Security Service prohibited drone operations in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas.
- •Federal forces are battling regional forces in Tigray, where rebels have seized towns and the main airport, leading to flight suspensions.
- •Displaced residents in Tigray camps report hearing heavy artillery fire and seeing drones daily, while communication and banking disruptions severely impact daily life and businesses in Mekelle.
Key Questions Answered
A series of three blasts were reported across different locations in Addis Ababa on Wednesday night, just hours after the government banned the use of drones in the capital and surrounding areas.
The National Intelligence and Security Service banned drone flights amid ongoing fighting in the northern Tigray region, where rebels recently captured several towns and the region's main airport.
Fighting has disrupted communication, banking, and essential services in Mekelle, leading to a severe lack of cash that has paralyzed businesses and caused black market fuel prices to double.
