Blasts heard in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia conflict widens

Recent explosions were heard in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa as conflict intensified between the country's federal forces and a coalition of armed opposition groups expanding in the nation's northern territories. Diplomatic sources confirmed three blasts were audible overnight in Addis Ababa, following the city's establishment of a drone flying ban in its vicinity.

The alliance linked to Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival claimed responsibility for several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, targeting military headquarters among other locations. This alliance consists of seven armed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and factions from the Amhara, Afar, Somali and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, all aiming to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration.

Government forces have recently advanced into Tigray, nearing the regional capital of Mekelle, while the TPLF has retreated to new positions, with some of its leaders relocating away from Mekelle. Thousands of civilians have also fled the city in fear of clashes, cutting off electricity and internet services in the area. Last week, Tigrayan forces launched a large offensive, dubbed a "defensive war" against federal drone and artillery strikes.

Government troops and allied fighters have initiated a counteroffensive. The Ethiopian government has accused neighboring countries of supporting the opposition coalition, a denial by the coalition. In Afar, government forces have reportedly recaptured the towns of Erebti and Abaala near the Tigray border, though these claims remain unverified.

Muhammed Taha Tawakel, an Al Jazeera correspondent from Afar, reported that fighting to control these towns is ongoing and could potentially escalate the conflict, threatening a wider war involving Ethiopia and Eritrea and disrupting food security in the region.