Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops suffered heavy casualties in a series of deadly ambushes carried out by Fano militants in Ethiopia’s restive Amhara region. At least 40 soldiers were killed near Tareh Monastery outside Addis Zemen in Gondar, while another convoy suffered significant losses in an attack near the historic Lalibela Church in Wollo. The coordinated assaults highlight the intensifying armed resistance against the Ethiopian government in Amhara, a region that has become a flashpoint for conflict.
Fierce Ambush Near Gondar Leaves Dozens Dead
The first attack targeted an Ethiopian military convoy traveling from Gondar to Bahir Dar. As the troops passed near Tareh Monastery outside Addis Zemen, Fano militants launched a surprise assault, reportedly using heavy weaponry and explosives. Two Ural-4320 military transport trucks were destroyed, and at least 40 Ethiopian soldiers were killed on the spot, with others sustaining serious injuries. The ambush took place in rugged terrain, making it difficult for reinforcements to respond in time.
Eyewitnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity to DNE Africa reported intense fighting as Fano fighters overwhelmed the military unit, looting weapons and supplies before withdrawing. The Ethiopian government has yet to release an official casualty figure, but local sources suggest the death toll could rise as more bodies are recovered from the scene.
Second Attack Strikes Military Convoy Near Lalibela
Hours after the Gondar attack, another Ethiopian army convoy was ambushed while traveling from Lalibela to Gashena. The troops, moving in two heavy military trucks, were caught off guard near the UNESCO-listed Lalibela Church. Both trucks were reportedly destroyed in the attack, and while the exact number of casualties remains unclear, multiple sources indicate that Ethiopian forces suffered significant losses.
The ambush near Lalibela underscores the growing reach of the Fano militants, who have expanded their attacks against Ethiopian military positions in recent months. The region remains on high alert as clashes between the insurgents and federal troops continue to escalate.
Background: Rising Insurgency in Amhara
Fano militants, once considered allies of the Ethiopian government during the Tigray war, have turned into one of the most formidable armed groups resisting federal authority. Tensions have risen sharply since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration moved to dismantle regional paramilitary groups, a decision that sparked widespread unrest in Amhara. The move was met with strong opposition, with many Amhara residents viewing the disarmament campaign as an effort to weaken their region’s defense capabilities.
Since late 2023, Fano fighters have carried out a string of high-profile attacks, targeting military bases, police stations, and convoys. The Ethiopian government has responded with heavy-handed crackdowns, deploying airstrikes and ground forces to suppress the uprising. However, the insurgency has proven resilient, with Fano militants using guerrilla warfare tactics to inflict heavy losses on government troops.
Government Response & Growing Instability
The Ethiopian government has not yet commented on the latest attacks, but security forces have launched counter-operations in Amhara to dismantle Fano strongholds. Despite these efforts, the insurgency continues to gain momentum, posing a significant challenge to the central government.
The escalating violence in Amhara comes as Ethiopia grapples with multiple security crises, including lingering instability in Tigray and Oromia. The deteriorating situation in Amhara threatens to further destabilize the country, raising concerns about a prolonged conflict that could spill over into neighboring regions.
With Fano militants stepping up their attacks, and the Ethiopian army struggling to regain control, the conflict in Amhara is showing no signs of abating, deepening Ethiopia’s already fragile political and security landscape.
