The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) announced a major update on Wednesday regarding its ongoing military campaign in the Amhara region, claiming it has “annihilated” dozens of Fano fighters in coordinated operations carried out between June 25 and July 1.
According to a statement published on the Defense Force’s social media platforms, the campaign — dubbed Operation Tide — involved coordinated efforts between the Eastern Command and various combat support units. The ENDF reported killing 83 fighters described as “extremists” and injuring 39 others in operations concentrated in the South Gondar and Gojjam areas.
The military further claimed the capture of 19 individuals, including robbery suspects, and noted that 20 people had voluntarily surrendered. In addition, the army reported the destruction of five motorbikes and one tuk-tuk, as well as the seizure of multiple weapons: 22 AK-47 rifles, 11 outdated firearms, one DShK heavy machine gun with 85 rounds of ammunition, 158 AK-47 rounds, 10 magazines, five hand grenades, and one handgun.
The ENDF did not release any information regarding its own casualties.
However, the situation on the ground remains contested. Fano forces — a loosely organized Amhara militia resisting federal authority — have claimed success on multiple fronts. According to the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF), fighting is ongoing in at least 42 locations across Gojjam, where Fano says it has reversed the momentum of Operation Tide. Local sources have reported that Fano forces looted two ENDF camps in the Belesa area of Gondar, although the number of casualties is still unknown.
Asre Mare, an executive member of the AFNF, confirmed via social media that Fano fighters were involved in clashes that destroyed several vehicles — seemingly corroborating the army’s claim of five vehicles being burned. However, the Defense Force did not provide photographic evidence, suggesting the destruction may have occurred from a distance or in territory not fully secured by the military.
Meanwhile, in the Enfra area of Gondar, media outlet Ethio Focus reported the unexplained disappearance of 60 heavily armed federal troops. It remains unclear whether they defected to Fano or simply went missing in action. In Lasta and Raya, Fano claims to have gained control of several towns for extended periods following what it described as “decisive” victories.
These reports stand in stark contrast to the ENDF’s assertion that it has neutralized 90% of what it calls “extremists,” indicating a growing discrepancy between official narratives and realities on the ground.
Operation Tide was first announced in August 2023 with the aim of eliminating armed resistance in Amhara within a few weeks. Nearly two years later, the conflict is ongoing and has taken a severe toll on civilians. Human rights organizations have reported widespread abuses by federal forces, including arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, and destruction of property — accusations the government has consistently denied.
The conflict in Amhara shows little sign of abating, raising serious concerns about the stability of Ethiopia’s northern regions and the ongoing humanitarian fallout.
