The Amhara Fano National Force, Menilik Command, has reportedly secured control of the main Gerado line west of Dessie town, alongside the strategic towns of Tsabsit, Guguftu, and Gelsha.
These actions are part of “Operation Adem Ali (Aba Nadew),” an offensive now in its third day, named after a Fano commander reportedly killed months prior. Adem Ali (Aba Nadew) led a unit within the Amhara Fano National Force under the Menilik Command.
Key Developments in Wollo Region:
- Strategic Control: The main Gerado line west of Dessie, plus Tsabsit, Guguftu, and Gelsha, are now reportedly under the control of the Amhara Fano National Force, Menilik Command.
- Mekaneselam Captured: Mekaneselam, a significant city in South Wollo, has reportedly fallen to the Amhara Fano National Force, Menilik Command. During this operation, Colonel Habtamu Assefa was captured.
- Woldiya Clashes: Fighting persists near Woldiya’s gates for a second day. Reports include civilian casualties, with an elderly woman killed and her home destroyed by heavy artillery, attributed to regime forces.
- Widespread Engagements: Intense clashes are reported in several strategic towns across Wollo:
- North Wollo: Gashena, Woldiya, Lalibela
- South Wollo: Kutaber, Boru Selassie, Gugufutu
- Aerial Surveillance: Eyewitnesses cited by DNE Africa have reported frequent sightings of drones and air force aircraft in the conflict zone.
- Allied Forces: The Wollega Fano Command (Bizamo), active in Wollega, has reportedly joined the Amhara Fano National Force.
Reported Casualties and Captures:
According to DNE Africa’s count for Thursday, the second day of the operation, intense fighting has resulted in substantial casualties and captures among the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), based on claims from Fano sources:
- 716 ENDF troops killed
- 188 ENDF troops captured
Fano sources also indicated that the commander of the ENDF’s 12th Division was wounded on Thursday but escaped, while his deputy, both colonels, was captured.
These reports follow similar claims from Wednesday, the first day of the operation, where the Amhara Fano National Force, specifically its Menilik Command, reported significant territorial gains across multiple areas in Ethiopia’s North and South Wollo zones. DNE Africa sources at the time stated approximately 471 ENDF soldiers were killed and 175 captured in those initial engagements.
These combined reports underscore an escalating conflict between the Amhara Fano National Force and the Ethiopian federal government.
