Brief

Explosions rock Addis Ababa as Ethiopian forces near Mekelle

The blasts followed a ban on drone flights and came as government forces advanced toward Mekelle, according to Al Jazeera.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:12:40 GMT

Explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, hours after authorities imposed a ban on drone flights in the city and surrounding areas, Al Jazeera reported.

Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that the blasts were heard on Thursday night. The same report said the ban on drones was introduced earlier that day.

A source linked to the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival claimed the alliance had carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including attacks on the military headquarters. The alliance, which unites seven armed groups such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and factions from Amhara, Afar, Somali and Benishangul‑Gumuz, says its goal is to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Afar, Muhammed Taha Tawakel, said fighting has moved from the Amhara region deep into Tigray, with federal forces now within about 40 kilometres (25 miles) of Mekelle, the regional capital. The TPLF has reportedly pulled fighters back to new positions and some leaders have left Mekelle.

Authorities in the neighbouring Afar region have renewed accusations of an Eritrean incursion, adding another layer of complexity to the widening conflict.

Key facts

Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa overnight on 1 Oct 2026. (aljazeera.com)
Ethiopian authorities banned drone flights in Addis Ababa earlier that day. (aljazeera.com)
Federal forces are reported to be within about 40 km of Mekelle. (aljazeera.com)
The Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival claims to have carried out drone strikes in the capital. (aljazeera.com)
The alliance includes the TPLF and groups from Amhara, Afar, Somali and Benishangul‑Gumuz. (aljazeera.com)