War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – September 29th to October 5th, 2025
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Updated October 6th, 2025
Overview
For the week of September 29th to October 5th, 2025, fighting between the Amhara Fano self-defense force (Fano) and 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 34 woreda/city administrations across 12 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included the North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder, West Gonder, North Gonder and Welkait-Tegede-Setit Humera Zones.
This week Fano forces under AFNF initiated Operation Arbegna Adem Ali (Aba Nadew) in northeastern Amhara resulting in the capture of territories and significant casualties sustained by regime losses. Developments were also recorded in East Arsi Zone of Oromia Region.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 11 woreda/city administrations across 8 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Filakit-Gergera, Woldia, Mekane-Selam, Borena, Aneded, Sinan, Wemberima, Banja, North Mecha, Libo-Kemkem and Metemma Woredas in North Wollo, South Wollo, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam, South Gonder and West Gonder Zones. In Mekane-Selam city of South Wollo Zone, urban fighting resulted in civilian casualties after regime forces reportedly used a site of worship as a military outpost.
Drone activity was recorded across Raya-Kobo, Habru and Mekdela Woredas of North Wollo and South Wollo Zones in Amhara Region. In Raya-Kobo Woreda of North Wollo Zone, multiple drone attacks resulted in civilian casualties.
Large-scale arbitrary arrests were reported in Addis-Ababa city involving hundreds of residents across numerous woreda/sub-cities as part of a suspected forced conscription campaign involving a significant number of fatalities. In addition, abductions were recorded in Welkait-Tegede-Setit Humera and West Gonder Zones of Amhara Region implicating Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces and Qemant militants, respectively.
This week, reports indicate severe human rights abuses and repression carried out by regime forces in Addis-Ababa city in relation to observance of the Irreecha holiday. Reports indicate widespread extortion, detainments and political displays.