Ethiopia's Military Clashes with Militia Group, Amhara Region Gripped by Violence

Ethiopia's military engaged in clashes with fighters from a militia group in the Amhara region, leading to several injuries, according to residents. Fano, a part-time militia without a formal command structure, previously supported federal troops during the civil war in the neighboring Tigray region. However, tensions have risen due to perceived negligence by the national government regarding Amhara's security. The fighting occurred near Debre Tabor over two days, resulting in serious and minor injuries.

The road into Debre Tabor was closed, and fighting also took place in the town of Kobo, with Fano fighters taking control of the holy site of Lalibela. Spain's embassy advised its citizens in Lalibela to stay in their residences. The Ethiopian government has not commented on the clashes, but the military has expressed its intention to take action against Fano for disturbing the country's peace. Fano fighters previously participated in violent protests in April in response to a government order to integrate security forces from Ethiopia's regions into the national army, which was perceived as an attempt to weaken Amhara.