Explosions of unknown origin were heard in the early hours of Thursday morning at the headquarters of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) in Addis Ababa. According to a diplomatic source and eyewitnesses, the blasts occurred around midnight local time in the Tor Hayloch neighborhood. The source confirmed that multiple explosions hit the site, but the cause is still unknown. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion, while an employee of a nearby establishment described a blast that shook the surrounding area.
The explosions come as fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and the authorities of the Tigray region, after several months of tension. Clashes have been concentrated in areas of Tigray and neighboring states of Amhara and Afar. Federal forces reportedly took control of the town of Alamata on Monday, which lies on the road to Mekele, the regional capital of Tigray. The situation has raised concerns about the security situation in the region.
The Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has banned drone flights over and around Addis Ababa until further notice. This move comes amid heightened tensions and the risk of further violence. The ban is seen as a measure to prevent potential attacks or surveillance by hostile groups.
The recent developments are linked to an alliance formed by seven armed groups opposed to the government, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The groups announced their alliance aimed at "overthrowing" the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The TPLF and the federal government had previously clashed in a devastating war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths, according to the African Union.
The current escalation in tensions and violence has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. The conflict has already led to significant displacement and humanitarian needs. Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict are ongoing, but the situation remains volatile.
The incident at the military headquarters in Addis Ababa has sparked fears of further instability in the country. The government has not yet commented on the cause of the explosions, and an investigation is likely underway. The incident highlights the need for calm and restraint to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many countries and organizations calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. The conflict in Ethiopia has significant implications for regional stability and security, and a peaceful resolution is crucial to preventing further humanitarian suffering.
Key points
- The explosions at the Ethiopian military headquarters in Addis Ababa occurred amid rising tensions in the north of the country, where fighting has resumed between federal forces and the authorities of the Tigray region.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the potential for further violence and instability.
- The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to prevent further humanitarian suffering.
