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Updated August 20th, 2024
Overview
For the week of August 12th to 18th, 2024, fighting between Amhara Fano freedom fighters (Fano) and Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime joint forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia. This week, multiple attacks were also recorded in Oromia Region. Summary updates are provided below.
On August 13th, the Wollo Raya Amhara Identity and Border Repatriation Committee issued a statement denouncing the regime’s endorsement of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) occupation of the Raya area.
On August 14th, UNOCHA Ethiopia announced the killing of humanitarian worker Yared Melese. On August 16th, local Fano issued a statement denouncing the act and calling for protection of humanitarian workers.
This week, Fano forces have continued to carry out major operations in urban areas including near Bahir-Dar and Debre-Markos cities (East Gojjam Zone).
Across military engagements, regime forces continue to suffer significant casualties and material losses to Fano forces. Defections of regime forces have been reported including in Addis-Zemen town (Libo-Kemkem Woreda, South Gonder Zone). Fano forces reportedly captured regime tanks including in Tach Armachiho Woreda (Central Gonder Zone). Targeted attacks against high-ranking regime officials has also taken place.
Regime forces have continued extrajudicial killings, rape, abductions and attacks on unarmed civilians in various parts of Amhara Region including in Gozamin, North Mecha, Bahir-Dar-Zuriya, Raya-Kobo, Wogdi, Estie and Simada Woredas. Many of these attacks appear to be reprisal attacks following military defeats to Fano forces. In addition, regime soldiers have perpetrated rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence targeting women, children and in some instances clergy members.
Reports indicate regime forces have carried out deliberate attacks on medical centers, and attacks on religious leaders in Estie Woreda (South Gonder Zone).
In Telemt, regime military leaders have threatened native Amhara residents in favor of restoring TPLF’s Tigrayan settler administration in the area.
In Tulu-Gana town of Abe-Dongoro Woreda (Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia) Oromia Special Forces (OSF) raped a woman.
Regime forces have carried out arrests, disarmament and abuses of Amhara residents in Abeshge Woreda of Gurage Zone in Central Ethiopia Region.
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