Escalation of aerial attacks has intensified in Ethiopia, with 73 air and drone strikes recorded since August 2023. The data, compiled by the Ethiopia Peace Observatory under ACLED, highlights the growing reliance on air power to suppress opposition forces, particularly in regions where resistance movements, including Fano militias, remain active.
The strikes have disproportionately affected areas known for their defiance against government policies. Reports indicate that many of these attacks have targeted civilian-populated areas, raising concerns about indiscriminate bombings and human rights violations. The government’s justification for these operations—claiming to target terrorist elements—has been met with skepticism, as evidence suggests that innocent civilians have suffered immensely.
The increasing use of drones in Ethiopia’s conflict signals a shift in military strategy. These unmanned aerial vehicles, reportedly sourced from foreign allies, have enabled precision strikes but have also led to devastating collateral damage. The government’s reliance on drone warfare underscores its determination to crush opposition forces without engaging in direct ground battles.
Despite the alarming number of strikes, international organizations and foreign governments have largely remained silent. The lack of condemnation raises questions about external complicity in Ethiopia’s internal conflict. Human rights groups must urgently investigate these attacks and demand accountability for the civilian casualties and destruction inflicted by aerial bombardments.
Despite the government’s intensified military campaign, Fano resistance remains unwavering. The movement continues to fight for the rights and freedoms of Ethiopians, standing against oppression and foreign interference. The people of Ethiopia must remain vigilant and demand transparency regarding the true impact of these air and drone strikes.
The 73 recorded air and drone strikes since August 2023 paint a grim picture of Ethiopia’s escalating conflict. As the government continues its aerial campaign, the voices of those affected must not be ignored. The Ethiopian people deserve justice, accountability, and an end to indiscriminate attacks on their communities.
