Mariam Ashalem De Andres
07 October 2026•Update: 07 October 2026
The US Embassy in Addis Ababa warned Americans of reports of possible long-range attacks targeting Ethiopian military installations on several occasions in October, urging them to exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities, according to a social media post.
The embassy advised Americans in a post on US social media platform X by the State Department not to travel to the Amhara Region, including the town of Lalibela, the Tigray Region or the Afar Region for any reason.
US citizens in those areas were advised to leave if it is safe to do so or shelter in place until security conditions improve, it said.
The warning did not provide details about the reported attacks, including potential targets, timing or the type of weapons that could be involved.
The embassy urged Americans in affected regions to remain alert and closely monitor developments as the security situation evolves.
It also advised Americans to follow instructions from local authorities and take appropriate precautions in response to any security alerts.
US citizens were also advised to monitor media for updates on the situation and remain in contact with their airlines regarding possible changes to flight schedules or operations.
The warning covers three regions in northern and northeastern Ethiopia that have experienced periods of heightened insecurity in recent years.
The Amhara Region has faced violence involving armed groups and government forces, while Tigray has continued to deal with security and humanitarian challenges following the devastating conflict that ended with a peace agreement in 2022.
The Afar Region, which borders Eritrea and Djibouti, has also experienced security concerns linked to regional conflicts and instability.
The embassy's advisory did not indicate whether the reported potential attacks had already taken place or whether additional attacks were expected.
The recommendation for Americans in the region to depart if safe or shelter in place underscores the need for caution while authorities assess the situation.
The warning comes as Ethiopia continues to face security challenges in several parts of the country, with the US government regularly updating travel and security guidance for Americans.
