Ethiopia’s Fano militia says it carried out a surprise operation near the regional capital of Bahir Dar, claiming to have captured government personnel and seized weapons, as clashes continue across the Amhara region.
According to Fano-affiliated sources, fighters targeted the town of Densa, located roughly 10 kilometers from Bahir Dar, which serves as the seat of the regional administration. A spokesperson linked to the group said the operation resulted in the capture of 14 anti-riot officers, along with the seizure of a Bren machine gun.
The group further claimed it had taken control of the town, although this could not be independently verified, and it remains unclear whether that control has been maintained.
Footage aired by Ethiopian Media Service appeared to show detained personnel, though details surrounding the circumstances of their capture remain limited. No confirmed information has been released regarding casualties from either side.
Elsewhere in Amhara, Fano units reported heavy fighting in parts of Raya Kobo district, particularly around the Chobi Ber and Eyob areas. The clashes reportedly began early in the morning following what the group described as a government offensive. Fano sources claimed battlefield gains, but did not provide figures on losses.
The Ethiopian government has not directly addressed these specific claims. However, the Ethiopian National Defense Force said it had conducted operations in South Gondar targeting what it described as “extremist elements.” In a statement, it said raids were carried out in several regions including Tachi Gaynt and Lay Gaynt, where it accused armed groups of involvement in criminal activity.
The military said it had neutralized a number of fighters and seized fuel supplies allegedly stored by the groups, but did not disclose casualty figures.
Separately, Amhara regional official Eshetu Yesuf reiterated the government’s position that Fano forces are in decline and losing local support, adding that thousands of fighters have opted to surrender in recent weeks.
Fano leaders reject those claims, maintaining that they continue to operate across multiple parts of the region and engage with local communities in areas under their influence.
The conflict in Amhara has persisted for more than two years, with both sides offering sharply differing accounts of developments on the ground. Earlier this month, Fano fighters claimed to have captured a senior military commander and inflicted heavy losses on government forces—assertions that have not been independently confirmed.
