Blasts reported in Ethiopian capital hours after government banned drone flights

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia witnessed a series of blasts on Wednesday night, occurring shortly after the government imposed a ban on drone flights. The blasts, reported by an intelligence service official, were heard in three separate locations across the capital. A diplomatic source described hearing a blast near the defense headquarters at 7pm, followed by a siren.

Residents near the defense headquarters and another factory also reported hearing blasts after midnight. It remains uncertain whether the blasts were linked to an attack or training exercises. The Ethiopian government's actions come amid ongoing conflict in the northern Tigray region, where regional forces have taken control of several towns, including the main airport, disrupting flights.

The United Nations has called for de-escalation and dialogue between the government and opposition groups, with displaced individuals in camps fearing further displacement. The conflict has also disrupted essential services, causing residents like merchant Abdelaziz Ahmed to struggle with cash shortages and rising fuel prices on the black market.