An official statement issued by factions aligned with the Fano Forces in Ethiopia’s Amhara region announced what it described as a milestone achievement in the early phase of Operation Unity, a military campaign targeting the current government under President Abiy Ahmed. In the declaration, the group asserted that over the past week it had taken control of several towns and rural areas, claiming these actions resulted in significant losses for government forces—including the reported deaths of senior commanders and numerous soldiers—and the capture of military equipment, ammunition, and weapons.
The statement also emphasized that recent efforts had been bolstered by the unification of the Fano factions, a development the group said had enhanced its overall operational effectiveness and coordination for conducting large-scale actions. The announcement contextualized the campaign by referencing longstanding grievances among communities in the Amhara region, alleging that political marginalization, targeted violence, and the destruction of critical infrastructure have contributed to a drive for greater self-determination. It further accused the government of employing heavy aerial assets, including combat drones, in ways that have adversely affected civilian infrastructure such as health and education facilities.
In response, the FDRE Defense Force has denied many of the claims made by the Fano Forces, stating that government troops successfully reversed the offensive and regained control of key areas. The Defense Force also mentioned, and later retracted, allegations concerning the involvement of Brigadier General Megbe Haile in coordinating Fano operations and engaging in other illegal activities, a retraction that has left questions about the credibility of those specific assertions.
Alongside reporting its military achievements, the Fano Forces’ statement called for increased international attention. It urged the global community to reassess the presence of government forces in the region and to address what it described as human rights abuses affecting local communities. The declaration concluded with a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to continue its operations until what it terms as the establishment of a peaceful, dignified, and just governance system in Ethiopia is achieved.
Observers note that these disputed accounts come amid a complex and evolving political landscape in Ethiopia, where competing narratives about recent military engagements continue to shape the conflict in the Amhara region. Further independent verification and investigation will be essential to clarify the situation on the ground.
