The Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) says its fighters have dealt a heavy blow to government troops in East Amhara, claiming more than 470 enemy combatants were killed during a two-day operation.According to AFNF’s statement, an additional 175 soldiers — some of them wounded — were taken prisoner. A viral video circulating since Wednesday appeared to show hundreds of government troops in captivity, along with scenes of fighters preparing to bury fallen soldiers.Initial reports from Beklo Manekia district suggested around 137 soldiers and ruling party officials had been killed. But AFNF’s Thursday update raised the death toll from the wider “Lasta operation” to 470, with the “Arbegna Adem Ali” unit credited for what the group described as a “grand victory.”Fano forces also reported capturing large quantities of weapons and vehicles, including 438 AK-47 rifles, 14 machine guns, 9 sniper rifles, 6 mortars, 6 DShK heavy machine guns, 37 mortar shells, 148 F1 hand grenades, 52,600 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 9 military radios, as well as a Sino truck and a military transport vehicle. Video footage circulating online appears to showcase the seized arsenal.AFNF claims its fighters have taken control of Estaysh, Hamusi, Kebero Meda, Debot, and Deilb. Reports suggest government officials have fled Woldia city further east, fearing a possible advance, though this remains unconfirmed.The Ethiopian National Defense Force has not issued a response to AFNF’s latest claims or addressed the viral footage. Government statements in recent months have insisted that Fano fighters are no longer capable of holding ground.
