A series of blasts rocked the Ethiopian capital on Oct. 1, including an explosion near the Ministry of Defence. A source linked to the opposition alliance fighting federal forces claimed the group carried out several drone strikes targeting army command headquarters and other military sites in Addis Ababa. If verified, the operation represents the first known instance of anti-government forces using drones to attack the seat of power.

The strikes coincide with intensifying combat between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government had previously imposed a ban on drone flights over the capital and surrounding areas for security reasons. While pro-government forces report further gains in the northern conflict, unrest throughout the country continues to rise.