Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa as fighting between Ethiopian government forces and armed opposition groups widened across northern Ethiopia.
Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that blasts were heard overnight in the Ethiopian capital.
A source linked to the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival told Reuters that the alliance carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa. The source said some of the attacks targeted military positions, including the military headquarters.
The reported strikes came hours after authorities banned drone flights over Addis Ababa and surrounding areas.
The developments were reported by Al Jazeera, citing Reuters and its own correspondents.
Ethiopia opposition alliance expands fighting
The Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival brings together seven armed groups.
They include the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and groups from Amhara, Afar, Somali and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.
The alliance is fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Meanwhile, clashes have continued in northern Ethiopia. Government forces have launched a counteroffensive after Tigrayan forces began a major offensive last week.
The TPLF has described its operation as a “defensive war” in response to federal drone and artillery strikes.
Ethiopia closes embassy in Eritrea
Tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea have also increased.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it would close its embassy in the Eritrean capital, Asmara.
The announcement came after Ethiopia ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa to leave within 48 hours.
The ministry accused Eritrea of “direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia”.
It also said the diplomats had been expelled over activities that posed a threat to Ethiopia’s national security.
However, Eritrea has denied allegations that it is supporting the armed opposition alliance.
Government forces advance towards Mekelle
Fighting has also intensified around Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
Reporting from Afar, Al Jazeera said government forces had advanced to within about 40km of Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital.
Meanwhile, TPLF fighters had reportedly withdrawn to new positions. Some TPLF leaders had also moved out of Mekelle.
Thousands of civilians have fled the city amid fears of further fighting, according to Al Jazeera.
Electricity and internet services in the region have also been cut.
Fighting spreads in Afar
Fighting has also continued in the neighbouring Afar region.
Government forces told Reuters that they had recaptured Erebti and Abaala, near the border with Tigray.
However, the claim has not been independently confirmed.
Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday that fighting for control of the towns was still continuing.
More than 80,000 Afar residents were reported to be trapped in the affected area. Their situation remains uncertain.
Afar Deputy Governor Ahmed Hussein has accused Eritrea of involvement in the fighting and called on Asmara to withdraw from Afar territory.
Eritrea has denied supporting the opposition alliance.
Fears grow over wider regional conflict
The expanding fighting has raised concerns that Ethiopia’s conflict could spread further across the region.
Clashes have reached areas near Ethiopia’s borders with Eritrea and Sudan.
There are also concerns that fighting in Afar could disrupt routes between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Those routes are important for trade and food supplies.
With fighting continuing on several fronts, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are also increasing.