War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – January 26th to February 1st, 2026

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Updated February 2nd, 2026

Overview

For the week of January 26th to February 1st, 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 41 woreda/city administrations across 10 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder, West Gonder and North Gonder Zones. Developments were also recorded in Horo-Guduru-Wollega and North Shewa Zones of Oromia Region and in Addis-Ababa city.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 8 woreda/city administrations across 4 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Raya-Kobo, Gidan, Bugna, Gazo, Tenta, Bahir-Dar-Zuriya, Gonji-Qolela and Telemt Woredas in North Wollo, South Wollo, North Gojjam, and North Gonder Zones. Civilian casualties were also recorded in Dera and Abe-Dongoro Woredas of North Shewa and Horo-Guduru-Wollega Zones in Oromia Region implicating Oromia Region Commando Forces and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militants.
Arrests were recorded in Efratana-Gidim and Alamata Woredas of North Shewa and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Region. Arrests in Alamata city in North Wollo Zone were carried out by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces. Earlier in the month arrests were also recorded in Addis-Ababa city. In addition, abductions were recorded in Ibnat Woreda of South Gonder Zone in Amhara Region. Abductions were also recorded in Dera Woreda of North Shewa Zone in Oromia Region involving OLA militants.
This week fighting was reported as TPLF forces from Tigray Region crossed into Amhara Region and fought with regime forces in Telemt Woreda of North Gonder Zone and surrounding areas bordering the Welkait-Tegede-Setit Humera Zone. In relation, TPLF offensives led to fighting with Tigray Peace Forces as the Federal Command Post (FCP) abandoned areas in Alamata city, Raya-Alamata Woreda, Korem city and surrounding areas in northeastern Amhara Region.
This week prisoners of conscience Christian Tadele and Yohannes Buayalew appeared in court in Addis-Ababa city citing legal violations since their arrest more than two years ago.