Airstrike in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region Kills 26 People
Residents in Finote Selam, a town in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, have reported an airstrike that targeted the town square, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 people. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning and is the latest instance of violence in Amhara, where militia groups have been engaged in conflict with the army.
According to local sources, the attack specifically targeted members of the Fano ethnic militia who had gathered in the town center. However, several bystanders were also caught in the strike, and it remains unclear how many of the victims were civilians. Hospital officials have confirmed that 26 people died in the attack, with at least 50 others sustaining injuries. This incident marks one of the deadliest single episodes of violence since clashes erupted in the region last month.
The Fano militia group has recently gained control over several towns in Amhara, sparking concerns of another war in northern Ethiopia. Just nine months ago, a ceasefire ended a brutal two-year conflict in the neighboring Tigray region. The Fano militia has been involved in various activities, including freeing inmates from prison, looting weapons from police stations, and vandalizing government offices. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and imposed an internet blackout.
In an attempt to regain control, tanks rolled through major towns in Amhara, including the regional capital, Bahir Dar. Security forces also fired upon people blocking roads, though the exact number of civilian casualties remains unknown. Despite the government’s claim of reclaiming control over Amhara’s towns, clashes continue to be reported in rural areas.
The Amhara forces had previously fought alongside federal troops during the Tigray conflict, resulting in the seizure of disputed territories. However, the relationship soured when the government announced plans to integrate regional forces into the military. The Amhara, who are the country’s second-largest ethnic group, have voiced concerns about not being adequately represented in the peace deal that ended the Tigray conflict. There are fears that their hard-won territories may be returned to Tigray.
In recent months, the region has seen escalating violence, including the targeted killing of local politicians and clashes between armed groups. As a result, Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights, and foreign governments issued warnings for their citizens to take shelter. The United Kingdom, United States, and other countries have expressed concern over the violence and called for a peaceful resolution. Humanitarian operations in Amhara have also been disrupted by the ongoing violence, according to the World Health Organization and Save the Children.
Ethiopia’s parliament is set to vote on a state of emergency on Monday, which would impose restrictions such as banning public gatherings and allowing detention without a court order. The state-appointed human rights commission has received credible reports of civilian deaths and widespread arrests of ethnic Amhara civilians in Addis Ababa under the emergency rules.
The authorities have denied allegations of mass arrests, stating that only 23 people, including a prominent opposition politician, have been arrested in Addis Ababa. However, the situation remains tense and uncertain as the country grapples with widespread violence and political instability.