The United States has warned of potential long-range attacks targeting Ethiopian military installations, urging American citizens to avoid travel to three regions amid growing security concerns in the country’s north.
In a security alert issued on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Addis Ababa said it had received reports of possible attacks against military facilities on several occasions during October.
The embassy advised American citizens against travelling to the Amhara, Tigray and Afar regions under any circumstances, including the historic town of Lalibela in Amhara.
US nationals already in those areas were urged to leave if conditions permit or shelter in place until the security situation improves.
The warning did not identify potential targets, specify the weapons that might be used or indicate who could be responsible for the reported threats.
American citizens were also encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor local media, follow instructions from authorities and contact airlines regarding possible disruptions to flight operations.
The alert comes amid heightened instability in northern Ethiopia, where tensions involving government forces, regional armed groups and neighbouring Eritrea have raised concerns about renewed conflict.
Amhara has experienced prolonged fighting between federal forces and armed groups, while Tigray remains fragile despite a 2022 peace agreement that formally ended a devastating two-year war.
Afar, which borders Eritrea and Djibouti, has also faced security pressures linked to instability across the Horn of Africa.
The embassy did not clarify whether any of the reported attacks had already occurred or whether intelligence suggested imminent strikes.
Its warning adds to concerns over Ethiopia’s deteriorating security environment as regional tensions threaten to deepen instability across the Horn of Africa.
