DNE-Africa reports that fighters aligned with the Amhara Fano movement say they clashed with Ethiopian federal forces this week in parts of Gojjam, claiming dozens of government casualties while also reporting weapons seized.
According to the Fano-aligned Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF), units fighting between the Amber and Jama districts killed 45 government soldiers and wounded about 22, and seized 37 assault rifles in an encounter they say lasted roughly three hours. The group also said a separate ambush near Motta in East Gojjam forced government troops escorting supplies to withdraw; casualty figures for that incident were not provided. DNE-Africa relayed the AFNF account, citing statements made to Ethiopian Media Services.
Federal authorities have not publicly confirmed the battlefield claims. Instead, government officials have highlighted what they say is a rising number of Fano fighters surrendering — including the recent turn-in of Masresha Setie, which officials framed as the result of talks overseen by regional bodies such as the African Union and IGAD. Some activists and Fano figures have rejected that narrative, with other AFPO leaders saying Setie had been expelled and prominent voices calling the reported talks misleading.
Observers note a wider pattern of competing claims and limited independent verification. Human rights organizations and investigations have repeatedly raised alarm over abuses connected to the conflict in Amhara, with a BBC probe cited in the reporting that medical data from multiple facilities suggest thousands of sexual assaults linked to the fighting.
The fighting in Amhara has continued for more than two years, with regular clashes between federal forces and armed groups and civilians repeatedly bearing the heaviest costs. At present, the situation remains volatile: combatants are exchanging claims of battlefield gains and defections, while official confirmations are sparse and the humanitarian impact continues to grow.
