Armed groups linked to Ethiopia’s Fano movement said on Saturday they were pushing back against a major military operation launched by the federal government in the Amhara region, as intense fighting continued for a third day.
The campaign, dubbed “Operation Tide” by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), was described by Defense Chief Field Marshal Berhanu Jula as a final effort to dismantle Fano militias, with claims that over 90% of the armed groups had already been neutralized. However, reports from local sources and opposition-aligned outlets suggest a more contested picture on the ground.
Fano fighters say they have launched counteroffensives in multiple areas across Amhara. In the town of Maksegnit near Gondar, at least 16 anti-riot police were reportedly killed, along with several local officials from the ruling Prosperity Party, according to Ethio News. Clashes were also reported in Central and South Gondar, where the government’s mobilization is said to have suffered setbacks.
Transport links between Gondar and Bahir Dar have reportedly been cut, and commercial flights to Gondar were suspended due to the ongoing violence. In North Wollo, particularly around Lasta and Kobo, heavy fighting was also reported, though no casualty figures have been independently verified.
In Gojjam, Fano commanders claimed that they had resisted attacks on their leadership in at least 11 battlefronts. Social media footage circulating over the weekend appeared to show captured government troops in the region.
The federal government has not responded directly to Fano’s claims. However, in a statement issued Sunday, it said “relative peace” had returned to many areas of Amhara, but acknowledged that the security situation remained below public expectations. The government also appealed for continued public support in its operations against armed militias.
Independent reporting from Amhara remains limited due to media restrictions in the region.
