Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic report taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - Drone attacks kill ten people in North Shewa Zone according to eyewitnesses
December 7, 2023
In the North Shewa and Wollo areas of Amhara Region, drone attacks allegedly targeting Fano militants have killed civilians in large numbers. In a village located near Wegel Tena town of South Wollo Zone local residents were killed after attempting to retrieve bodies of the deceased according to one witness who spoke to DW.
On another side, on December 6, 2023 (Hedar 25, 2016 EC), a drone attack allegedly targeting militants in an area between Menz and Merhabete areas of North Shewa Zone killed ten people with no involvement in the fighting. There have been no comments regarding the incidents from the board appointed to investigate the state of emergency in Amhara Region or from the National Defence Force.
EHRC - Civilians have been targeted by drone bombardments in Amhara Region
In a statement issued yesterday by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) “killings, bodily injury, property loss and displacement against civilians lacks the urgent and tangible decisive action needed from the federal government and the regional governments” in Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Amhara Regions.
Where have drone attacks taken place?
In the Amhara Region, armed conflict between the national defense force and Fano has lasted months impacting civilians and not just militants, and lately drone attacks in particular have been carried out in areas in North Shewa and Wollo where they have struck civilians. A recent drone attack was carried out in North Wollo Zone according to a resident near the area.
Another eyewitness said many people had died in recent fighting and attacks which have followed, and injured persons have been unable to seek medical care. Similarly, last week in North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region a series of three drone attacks have killed scores of people but the exact death toll is unclear.
Problems which have arisen due to the war in Amhara Region
Months ago, the EHRC had reported that civilians had been killed and sustained bodily injury in drone attacks and heavy artillery shelling, though the government did not acknowledge the statement. Since fighting in the region began between the two parties, several measures have been enforced including obstruction of passage of goods and internet shutdown. In relation to the expansion of the armed conflict, looting and attacks have been carried out on civilians, commercial institutions and infrastructure, and crops. Various reports have emerged showing residents have been exposed to various problems including shortage of goods and inflation since the flow of commercial and public goods into the region has stopped.
Solomon Muchie
Hirut Melese
Azeb Tadesse
