War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – February 16th to 22nd, 2026

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Updated February 23rd, 2026

Overview

For the week of February 16th to 22nd, 2026, fighting between the Amhara Fano self-defense force (Fano) and Oromo Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia.

This week battle events and rights violations were recorded in more than 36 woreda/city administrations across 10 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder and West Gonder Zones.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 12 woreda/city administrations across 6 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Gubalafto, Mekdela, Wegdi, Efratana-Gidim, Minjar-Shenkora, Gozamin, Finote-Selam, Jabi-Tehnan, Wemberima, Quarit, North Mecha, and Bahir-Dar-Zuriya Woredas in North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam and North Gojjam Zones.
Arrests were recorded in Kobo City and Raya-Alamata Woredas of North Wollo Zone in Amhara Region. Arrests in Raya-Alamata Woreda were undertaken by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces targeting religious figures affiliated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). Abductions were recorded in Korem and Alamata cities of North Wollo and Wag-Hemra Zones of Amhara Region. Abductions in Korem and Alamata cities involved TPLF forces conducting forced military conscription of local residents.
Drone attacks resulting in civilian casualties were reported in Kewet and Antsokiyana-Gemza Woredas of North Shewa Zone in Amhara Region.
Ongoing telecommunications blackouts were recorded in various woredas in East Gojjam, Awi and Central Gonder Zones in Amhara Region.