War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – January 12th to 18th, 2026

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Updated January 19th, 2026

Overview

For the week of January 12th to 18th, 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 24 woreda/city administrations across 9 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam, South Gonder and Central Gonder Zones. Developments were also recorded in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region.
Civilian casualties were recorded in Raya-Kobo, Jabi-Tehnan and Yilmana-Densa Woredas in North Wollo, West Gojjam and North Gojjam Zones in Amhara Region. Civilian casualties were also recorded in Sibu-Sire Woreda of East Wollega Zone in Oromia Region.
This week drone activity was reported in Sehala-Seyemit and Raya-Kobo Woredas in Wag-Hemra and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Region. The drone strike in Sehala-Seyemit Woreda of Wag-Hemra Zone resulted in confirmed casualties of regime combatants and civilians. In addition, drone surveillance was reported in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region.
Arrests were recorded in Alamata city and Jabi-Tehnan Woreda in North Wollo and West Gojjam Zones, respectively. Arrests in Alamata city were conducted by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces. In addition, TPLF forces carried out abductions of civilians in Ofla Woreda of Wag-Hemra Zone in Amhara Region.
This week, Fano forces announced the formation of a unified structure called the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) comprising units from the two major regional structures, the AFNF and AFPO.
This week, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) Raya Diocese issued a statement detailing a pattern of abuses against religious communities in the Raya area by TPLF forces and members of a renegade religious faction called Menbere-Selama.