The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) recently announced significant counterinsurgency operations across the Amhara Regional State, reporting the killing of 48 armed fighters and wounding of 40 others, including several Fano militia leaders. These operations, conducted on Saturday, 18 October 2025, targeted “extremist elements” in parts of West Gojjam, North Gojjam, and Awi zones as part of a broader law enforcement campaign.

According to the ENDF statement on Sunday, 19 October 2025, key operations included:

• West Gojjam Zone, Wonberma District, Kuchi Kebele: Coordinated by the Eastern Command, resulting in 13 fighters killed and 8 captured, including Fano organizer Chekol Zemenu, militia commander Chekol Kinde, Belsti Zemenu, Dengawu Tilahun, and Girma Mekonnen.

• Awi Zone, Banja District, Asim Kebele: Operations resulted in 23 fighters killed and 19 wounded.

• North Gojjam Zone, Denamariam Kebele, Bahir Dar Zuria District: ENDF reported 17 killed and 8 wounded, including Fekadu Kalemework, former federal police officer and Fano campaign coordinator; Minilik Mulat, militia leader; Andualem Marelign, and commanders Bekele Tigabu and Alelegn Chilote. Local unit leaders Getnet Kassa, Esuyawkal Abe Wegelssa, Tigabu Abita, and Getahun Kassahun were also reportedly killed.

The ENDF emphasized close cooperation with regional security forces, lauding their “remarkable courage and discipline.” The statement also claimed that Fano elements would likely spread “false lamentations” but would no longer command “the sympathy of the Amhara people,” with the Eastern Command pledging to intensify law enforcement against threats to civilians.

Contrasting reports indicate ongoing Fano territorial gains. Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that Fano fighters seized Checheho, Zebit, Geregera, and Aflakit, spanning South Gondar and North Wollo zones. A Checheho resident confirmed Fano control, while Lt. Col. Mikiyas, commander of the Checheho garrison, stated that government forces suffered “heavy losses” near Raya Kobo, Muja, and Kulmesk. Other Fano fighters told DW that Sanka, Zebit, and Dibala had also been captured.

Separate ENDF statements detailed:

• Operations in Meresa, North Wollo Zone against destabilizing groups, resulting in insurgent captures and weapon confiscations.

• Central Gondar Zone, Takusa District: 42 fighters captured, 21 killed, along with a substantial seizure of weapons and ammunition.

Amid the clashes, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a complaint to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 2 October 2025, accusing the Eritrean government and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of supporting Fano fighters during a September offensive in Woldiya. The letter alleged direct involvement by TPLF leaders and combatants under a new alliance called ‘Ts’mido’, reportedly formed to “wage war against Ethiopia.” The government emphasized that while it exercises restraint, such limits are not indefinite.

Travel Advisory:
Due to ongoing conflict, travelers are strongly urged to avoid the Amhara region, exercise extreme caution, and monitor updates from official sources such as the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Travel Alerts.