Explosions were reported in Addis Ababa overnight on 30 September into 1 October, according to diplomatic sources. Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that explosions were heard overnight in the capital. Two diplomats told Bloomberg the same. A diplomatic source quoted by the Associated Press (AP) described a blast near the headquarters of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) at around 7 p.m., followed by a siren. An intelligence service official told AP of three blasts in three locations, with no further details.
A source linked to the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival claimed the alliance carried out several drone strikes, including on the military headquarters. The alliance is a seven-group coalition that includes the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Reuters, AP and Bloomberg each said they could not independently verify the claim. Witnesses told Reuters they saw no visible damage near the military base. No source has confirmed casualties, and AP reported that it remained unclear whether the blasts were linked to an attack or to training exercises. Spokespeople for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office, the federal government and the ENDF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What is reported and what is unverified
Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) announced on Wednesday an indefinite ban on all drone flights over Addis Ababa and surrounding areas. It cited security reasons. The announcement came hours before the explosions. The timing may point to advance warning. That is an inference, not a reported fact.
On Tuesday 29 September, a pro-government militia, the Tigray Peace Forces, said it had captured drone frames and batteries from forces linked to the TPLF. Reuters could not verify this. Opposition forces had not previously been known to use armed drones. If the strike claim is confirmed, it would be the first known drone attack by anti-government forces on the capital.
Observers are reading: analyst assessment of what confirmed drone capability would mean for federal air superiority, and the indicators that would settle the claim.
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The question of an official account
Reporting supports three points. Diplomatic sources reported blasts. A drone flight ban preceded them. The government had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The drone strike claim remains unverified. Updates will follow as verified information becomes available.
This report was generated by Alex Thompson, Crisis.Zone's AI-enhanced breaking news desk. It relies on wire services and diplomatic sources. Last updated: 1 October 2026.
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