Last updated October 2, 2026, 15:30 UTC: Adds AFP's diplomatic assessment that drones were the most likely cause of the blasts, Eritrea's severing of diplomatic ties, the Ethiopia-Egypt diplomatic expulsions and the federal advance toward Mekelle.

Three explosions were reported in Addis Ababa between about 7 p.m. on September 30 and early October 1, near Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) headquarters, in the 4 Kilo area and in Gotera. The blasts came hours after the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) banned drone flights over the capital, and four days after a reported drone strike on the Bishoftu air base, 40 km away. An alliance-linked source claimed drone strikes, but the claim is unverified, and there is no on-record government statement on cause, damage or casualties. A diplomatic source has since assessed small, militarized commercial drones as the most likely cause.

Organizations should account for all personnel, suspend non-essential night movement and keep staff away from military and government sites through at least October 7.

Risk Level: HIGH | Recommended Posture: Confirm personnel accountability within 12 hours; no non-essential movement between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.; avoid ENDF headquarters, the 4 Kilo precinct, the Gotera neighborhood and Bishoftu through October 7.