Addis Ababa military headquarters hit by explosions

Explosions occurred overnight in Addis Ababa near the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) headquarters and the Meshualekia 4th Division site. Multiple sources reported blasts between 12:30 a.m. and 1:15 a.m., causing panic in the capital. While the federal government and military have not officially confirmed responsibility, a source linked to the opposition alliance claimed the military headquarters was struck by drones.

In response to the incidents, the National Intelligence and Security Service indefinitely banned all drone flights over the capital and deployed anti-drone systems. The escalation follows heavy fighting between Ethiopian forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia, with clashes spreading to the Afar and Amhara states.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated significantly. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and declared ten Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, accusing Eritrea of “direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence.” The ministry also ordered an Egyptian diplomat to leave the country.