Armed units affiliated with the FANO militia have launched a sweeping offensive across Ethiopia’s Amhara region, killing at least 355 Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) soldiers, capturing key towns, and seizing large quantities of military equipment, according to sources who spoke exclusively to DNE Africa.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed that FANO is now in control of several strategic areas in Southern Gondar, Gojam, and North Wollo, as clashes between regional militias and federal forces escalate amid a deepening political and security crisis in northern Ethiopia.
Major FANO Offensive in Southern Gondar
The offensive began with coordinated attacks in Southern Gondar, where FANO fighters overran ENDF positions in Ambesame, Wereta, Gasaye, Alem Ber, and Addis Zemen. All five towns are now under FANO control, the sources said.
Ambesame, which serves as the administrative seat of its district, was cleared of federal troops and is now fully under FANO authority. The operation has dealt a significant blow to the ENDF’s presence in the region.
FANO forces also seized Maksegnit, a town roughly 20 kilometers from Gondar city, effectively cutting off the strategic Gondar–Bahir Dar highway, a vital artery for both military logistics and civilian movement.
In a bold and symbolic move, FANO reportedly stormed a prison near Gondar and freed several political prisoners. The exact number of those released has not been independently confirmed.
Human and Material Toll
The Southern Gondar offensive alone resulted in:
- 355 ENDF soldiers killed
- 155 wounded
- 35 captured
In addition to inflicting these heavy casualties, FANO captured a significant cache of military equipment, including:
- 212 AK-103 assault rifles
- 6 Bren light machine guns
- 1 SVD sniper rifle
- 81 explosive devices, including bombs and grenades
Sources told DNE Africa that the captured weapons would significantly enhance the militia’s firepower as the conflict widens.
Gojam Front: FANO Continued Gains
FANO’s momentum extended into the West and East Gojam zones, where fighters captured at least 13 towns, including Debre Markos, Adet, Gonj Kolela, Bichena, Debre Work, Sedie, Degotsion, Quiye, Yed Wuha, Amanuel, Dembecha, Mertule Mariam, and Rebua Gebeya.
The Gojam operations also inflicted additional ENDF casualties, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Witnesses and local sources described intense firefights and widespread ENDF retreats.
Military equipment seized on the Gojam front includes:
- 3 military-grade communication radios
- 4 Bren light machine guns
- 75 AK-103 rifles
- 1 sniper rifle
These gains underscore the growing capabilities of FANO as it shifts from hit-and-run tactics to sustained territorial control.
North Wollo Front: Strategic Highway Captured
In North Wollo, FANO launched another offensive early Tuesday, taking control of Wergessa, Mehal Amba, and Libso—towns positioned along the critical Woldia–Dessie highway.
According to field sources, the operation involved direct combat with ENDF and pro-government units, leading to full control of the route by FANO fighters.
During clashes in Debre Markos, FANO also claimed to have killed an ENDF colonel, although the identity of the officer has not been independently confirmed by government sources.
Banks and other institutions will continue to operate in areas under FANO’s control.
A Region on the Brink
The FANO militia, often described as a loosely organized but heavily armed regional force, has emerged as a key player in Amhara’s deteriorating security landscape. Tensions between the federal government and regional groups have soared since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration attempted to implement disarmament campaigns and centralize command structures.
In response to growing unrest, the government declared a state of emergency in August 2023, granting sweeping powers to security forces, including arbitrary arrests and media crackdowns—moves that have drawn criticism from human rights groups.
FANO’s latest offensive signals a dramatic shift in strategy, moving from isolated guerrilla attacks to large-scale, coordinated campaigns aimed at controlling territory and confronting federal forces head-on.
The Ethiopian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the developments reported by DNE Africa. Communications remain restricted in parts of the Amhara region, making independent verification of some claims difficult.
All information in this report was provided exclusively to DNE Africa by sources with direct knowledge of the situation on the ground. Due to the ongoing nature of the conflict, some details may be subject to change as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. DNE Africa will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as confirmed information emerges.
