Tensions in Ethiopia’s volatile Amhara region escalated sharply on Sunday as approximately 30 Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) soldiers were captured by Amhara Fano forces in the Gondar Zone. Sources told DNE Africa that the operation was orchestrated by militia units under the command of Habte Wolde, one of the two key Fano commanders operating in the region.
Footage obtained exclusively by DNE Africa shows the captured ENDF soldiers under Amhara Fano custody, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the federal government and Amhara regional militias. This incident highlights the growing challenge facing Addis Ababa as it struggles to maintain control over the restive Amhara region.
Sources Detail the Gondar Operation
According to sources familiar with the situation, the incident occurred in Gondar, Arbaya Belsa district, as ENDF soldiers were reported to have moved to disarm Amhara farmers. Fano forces, led by Habte Wolde, launched a surprise attack on the ENDF unit, overwhelming their position and securing the surrender of approximately 30 soldiers.
Local witnesses told DNE Africa that heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in the Sunday afternoon, followed by the sight of ENDF troops being marched under Amhara Fano guard. The operation appears to have been carefully planned, reflecting the growing organization and capability of the Fano militia.
Sources also revealed that the captured soldiers were disarmed and moved to an undisclosed location. While the federal government has not yet issued an official statement, the incident is being viewed as a significant blow to its efforts to suppress the Fano insurgency.
In the same Amhara region, Gondar, the ENDF are conducting a major offensive to recapture the area from Fano, which have been under Fano control for more than six months, from West Armachho to Quara, bordering Sudan, and so far Fano has lost the territory it had controlled.
Background: Fano and the Amhara Conflict
The Amhara Fano, a decentralized militia network with deep roots in Amhara nationalism, has become a central player in Ethiopia’s ongoing political and security crisis. Initially celebrated as a protector of the Amhara people during the Tigray War (2020–2022), the Fano has since turned its focus toward resisting what it perceives as federal encroachment on Amhara autonomy.
The rift between Addis Ababa and the Amhara region widened significantly following the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, which ended the war in Tigray but left unresolved territorial and security disputes involving Amhara. In response, the federal government launched a campaign to disarm the Fano, deploying ENDF units to key areas of Amhara, including Gondar.
Earlier, the Sudanese government closed a border checkpoint with Ethiopia after it was taken over by the Fano militia, according to a report by the Sudan Tribune. The checkpoint had been under Fano’s control for several days.
The Ethiopian National Defence Force subsequently launched an operation to regain control of the area. The ENDF reportedly used drones and heavy weapons against Fano forces, ultimately forcing them to withdraw from the checkpoint, according to the Sudan Tribune.
The fighting comes amid reports of intense clashes in the region in recent weeks. Amhara Fano claims to have killed ENDF Colonel Anteneh, but there has been no confirmation or response from the Ethiopian Defence Force.
On a separate occasion, a reported drone attack in Quara on October 3 resulted in the deaths of seven farmers.
In a separate operation Sunday, the ENDF attempted to retake areas in the same region that Fano had controlled for over six months. Amhara Fano claims to have killed 139 ENDF soldiers during the operation. The ENDF Force has not responded to Fano’s claim and has not commented on any losses of its own. Local sources indicated that Fano also suffered an unspecified amount of casualties during the fighting.
The majority of Amhara Fano forces operating in the Gondar area are reportedly led by Habte Wolde, a former member of the Ethiopian Defence Force.
Implications of the Capture
The capture of 30 ENDF soldiers underscores the growing capabilities of the Fano militia and the challenges facing the federal government. Sources told DNE Africa that the operation is likely to embolden Fano forces and further complicate Addis Ababa’s efforts to stabilize the region.
“This is not just a tactical victory for the Fano; it is a symbolic demonstration of their strength and resolve,” said a security analyst familiar with the conflict. “The federal government’s inability to secure its own troops in Amhara raises serious questions about its strategy and capacity to address the crisis.”
The incident also highlights the deep mistrust and animosity between the federal government and the Amhara population, many of whom view the Fano as defenders of their rights and interests.
Impact on Civilians
The conflict in Amhara has had devastating consequences for civilians, with tens of thousands displaced by the fighting and numerous reports of human rights abuses. Local residents told DNE Africa that they fear the Gondar incident could lead to intensified military operations in the area, putting civilian lives at even greater risk.
Humanitarian organizations have also expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation, warning that the continued conflict could result in a large-scale humanitarian crisis. “The longer this conflict drags on, the greater the suffering for ordinary people,” said a representative of a local aid group.
What Comes Next?
The capture of ENDF soldiers by Amhara Fano forces marks a critical moment in Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict. As the federal government considers its next steps, it faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of the crisis rather than relying solely on military measures.
For now, the Gondar operation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Ethiopia as it seeks to navigate a path toward stability and peace.
