The Fano Forces have announced new military gains in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, claiming to have seized Fendeka town in Jawi district, Metekel zone, following a 15-hour battle with government troops.
According to Ethiopian Media Services (EMS), the armed group briefly took control of the town before withdrawing after several hours — a move they said was aimed at preventing heavy artillery bombardment and protecting civilians. This marks the second time in less than a week that Fano has claimed to capture Fendeka.
Fano spokesperson Yohannes Getachew, who heads public relations for the group’s Metekel 4th Division, told EMS that the withdrawal was “operational” and that Fano could retake the town “whenever it wants.” He claimed 52 government soldiers were killed and many more wounded during the fighting, adding that government forces abandoned the bodies of their fallen troops on the battlefield.
The Ethiopian government has not issued any comment on the claims, and EMS reported that attempts to reach officials for confirmation were unsuccessful.
Local sources also reported heavy clashes in multiple areas, including Kobo — where government forces reportedly suffered a defeat earlier this week — and Shoa, where three soldiers are said to have defected to Fano with their weapons.
Despite what Fano describes as its success in repelling the most recent major offensive by government troops, internal divisions continue to hamper efforts to establish a unified command structure for the movement.
