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News: Deadly clashes between gov't forces, Fano fighters leave civilian casualties across three zones in Amhara region

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Addis Kidam town was one of the sites of fighting last Sunday. (Photo: Fagta District Communications)

Addis Abeba – .Several civilian casualties and injuries were reported following clashes between government forces and Fano militias on Sunday, 27 October, 2024, across three zones in the Amhara region, according to residents who spoke with Addis Standard.

Residents reported that the clashes took place in the South Wollo, East Gojjam, and Awi zones, where armed conflict led to civilian deaths, injuries, and disruptions to public services.

One resident of Robit town, in Ambassel district, South Wollo Zone, who requested anonymity, described intense gunfire that lasted for hours in Robit last Sunday.

“The shooting started in the morning. There have been clashes before, but Sunday’s was particularly intense. It was non-stop gunfire,” he said, adding that he saw many fighters “dead and wounded being transported in vehicles” after the clash.

The source further stated that following the clash, “security forces detained a number of young people from various neighborhoods,” and emphasized that the situation remains tense in the area.

Residents of Addis Kidam, a town in Awi Zone, also reported witnessing escalated conflict on Sunday. One resident, who also wanted to remain anonymous, recounted experiencing heavy fighting throughout the day.

“The fighting lasted all day, marked by the audible sounds of heavy gunfire and Kalashnikovs. People remained locked indoors and in churches” he said, adding that at least six civilians were killed in their area alone that day.

The resident also mentioned a significant military presence in the area, with many people fleeing to rural areas out of fear of further clashes.

A similar conflict occurred in the East Gojjam zone, where fighting reportedly began in the town of Mota on 27 October and continued until Monday, 28 October.

A resident in the area recounted that “heavy artillery and gunfire were heard around Mota, with rounds landing in residential areas,” which reportedly led to disruptions in transport and other local services.

He added that he had heard reports of civilians being killed by stray bullets and mentioned that some of the bodies have not yet been buried.

This is the latest outbreak of violence in the ongoing conflict in the restive Amhara region, which has persisted for over a year and escalated following the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Amhara regional government’s announcement on October 1, 2024, that they would continue their “law enforcement operations” until “peace is fully restored.”

On 22 October, Addis Standard reported intense fighting around Debark town in the North Gondar Zone during the weekend of October 19–20. Eyewitnesses described prolonged clashes between government forces and Fano fighters, adding to ongoing tensions that began with skirmishes in September.

Earlier in October, over 100 civilians were reportedly killed in South Mecha, North Gojjam Zone, due to drone strikes and gunfire. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is investigating these incidents, which impacted vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.

The town of Woldia, North Wollo Zone, also witnessed heavy gunfire on October 13, which restricted movement and heightened local tensions. AS

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