Fano forces operating in Ethiopia’s Amhara region have claimed responsibility for a targeted ambush that killed a senior government military commander and 15 escorting soldiers near Delgi district’s Kurabas locality in Gondar zone.
In remarks to Ethio Focus, former Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) officer Colonel Abera Azanaw, now affiliated with the Fano command structure in Gondar, said the action was part of a “special operation” carried out after close surveillance of military movements in the area.
The commander was identified as Colonel Asseged, who was reportedly traveling with two military vehicles and over 35 accompanying troops. The ambush left more than 20 soldiers wounded, according to Fano accounts.
“The Tana Brigade conducted the operation following a detailed assessment. We consider this a strategic victory,” said Colonel Azanaw, noting that the strike took place while the vehicles were in motion.
Limited Independent Verification
While the operation has been reported by other Ethiopian diaspora outlets and corroborated by social media accounts, DNE Africa could not independently verify the incident. The federal government has not issued a statement, and state media has remained silent on the matter.
The ambush comes amid an escalation in armed confrontations between Fano forces and government troops in the Amhara region. In recent weeks, the government has intensified its military campaign, aiming to neutralize Fano units by the end of July.
Despite heavy pressure, Fano forces have continued to claim gains, with videos circulating on social media allegedly showing captured government soldiers and seized equipment.
Fano, which describes itself as a popular defense force rooted in Amhara resistance history, has been at odds with federal authorities over what it calls the erosion of regional autonomy and security concerns following the disarmament push and continued tensions in northern Ethiopia.
