Fighting has intensified across Ethiopia’s Amhara region as the Fano militias launched a full-scale military campaign against the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two sides.
According to local sources and statements attributed to Fano leaders, the armed group has taken control of several towns and cities across the Amhara region. The Ethiopian government has not yet confirmed the loss of territory, but reports indicate that clashes are ongoing in multiple areas, with heavy fighting continuing throughout the day.
Eyewitnesses and regional observers report to DNE Africa a coordinated series of attacks launched at dawn, targeting ENDF positions and government facilities in key urban centers. The offensive marks one of the most organized military efforts by Fano in recent months, suggesting a new phase in the conflict that has increasingly destabilized northern Ethiopia.
Fano, an Amhara nationalist militia, has been at odds with the federal government over what it claims are attempts to weaken regional autonomy and marginalize Amhara interests. Tensions have flared repeatedly since 2023, with intermittent outbreaks of violence escalating into broader confrontations. However, today’s offensive appears to be the most comprehensive and organized effort undertaken by the group to date.
Analysts warn that the latest developments could plunge Ethiopia further into crisis, just months after the government began new rounds of national dialogue aimed at reconciliation and institutional reform. The renewed fighting threatens to derail those efforts and raises concerns about a wider civil conflict that could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
There has been no immediate response from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed or senior ENDF officials. Communications in parts of the Amhara region remain limited, making it difficult to independently verify the extent of Fano’s territorial control or casualties on either side.
The international community has called for restraint and dialogue. Humanitarian agencies are also warning of the potential impact on civilian populations, especially in regions already suffering from displacement and limited access to aid.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
