A senior officer in the Ethiopian Defense Forces’ military intelligence division was reportedly killed in the South Gondar zone, as conflict continues to escalate between government troops and Fano militia fighters.
According to local news outlet Ethio Focus, the killing took place in Ebnat. It involved six members of the Fano militia who had previously surrendered to the government and received official militia training. Despite their reintegration, the group is alleged to have carried out a targeted operation that resulted in the death of the intelligence chief and several of his security detail.
During the confrontation, one Fano fighter was reportedly shot dead by the intelligence officer, while another sustained injuries. The remaining four reportedly escaped and have since rejoined the Fano militia. The status of the wounded fighter remains unclear.
Although the incident has yet to be independently verified, Ethio Focus has developed a reputation for reliable reporting on the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region. Journalists and human rights observers remain restricted from accessing the area.
Intelligence Defector Captured by Fano in Gojjam
In a separate but related development, a former Fano member who had defected and begun working as a government intelligence operative was reportedly abducted by Fano forces in the Bir Sheleko area of Gojjam. The individual, whose name has not been released, was seized from a military zone known as Lay Ber.
Eyewitnesses reported a brief exchange of gunfire between Fano fighters and defense troops during the abduction, though no casualties were confirmed.
The Gojjam region continues to witness frequent confrontations between Fano units and government forces. In recent weeks, allegations of drone strikes and extrajudicial killings have emerged, with local communities accusing federal forces of targeting civilians in areas seen as sympathetic to Fano. Last week, over 120 people were reportedly killed in a drone strike in the Enarj Enawuga district.
Government Claims Momentum in Amhara & Oromia
Despite these setbacks, the Ethiopian military claims it has recently achieved key victories in the Amhara region. In the past few days, state-aligned media and government-linked activists have circulated reports of “precise operations” resulting in the deaths of at least four senior Fano figures. Similar claims have been made regarding advances in the Oromia region against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
As the conflict persists across multiple fronts, independent verification remains difficult, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.
