Drone Strikes Target Amhara Civilians; Ethiopian Government Denies Allegations
Toronto – The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has reported that 72 drone strikes were conducted by the Ethiopian government across the Amhara region over a two-month period, primarily targeting residential areas and civilians.
The report, released earlier this week, claims these strikes occurred between September 25 and November 23, impacting 38 woredas in 10 zonal administrations.
According to the AAA, the strikes caused 434 casualties, including 321 fatalities and 113 injuries, with the majority being civilians. Victims reportedly included children, women, and the elderly.
Intensified Military Operations
The Ethiopian Defense Force has been escalating its use of drone and airstrikes in the region, according to reports from Borkena. Fano forces allege the government turned to air assaults after suffering repeated losses in ground battles across the Amhara region.
Despite these claims, the Ethiopian government has denied the extensive use of drones in the conflict. This week, the Defense Force stated that Fano forces had sustained significant losses and described their morale as deteriorating. The government labeled Fano as an “extremist group” and claimed it had become isolated from the local population.
However, these assertions contradict multiple reports suggesting that Fano forces maintain widespread control over much of the Amhara region.
Fano’s Response
Fano leaders dismissed the government’s narrative as propaganda. Political efforts are reportedly underway to unite Fano groups from four areas of the Amhara region under a single command structure. Anchor Media recently reported optimism about this initiative.
Senior Defense Force Meeting
Meanwhile, senior Defense Force commanders held a meeting in Debre Berhan, led by Lt. General Shuma Abdeta, Commander of the Airborne and Commando Force. Local sources report that Lt. General Shuma claimed, “Fano forces’ spine is broken, and their morale is falling.”
The Defense Force has vowed to withdraw from the Amhara region if Fano forces are completely defeated by the end of December 2024. This was reportedly communicated during a meeting with Amhara regional government officials in Bahir Dar earlier this month.
