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

According to a statement released by the ENDF on Sunday, 19 October 2025, specific actions included an operation in the West Gojjam Zone's Wonberma District, Kuchi Kebele, coordinated by the Eastern Command, which resulted in 13 fighters killed and eight captured. Among those captured were Chekol Zemenu, identified as a Fano organizer and militia commander, along with Chekol Kinde, Belsti Zemenu, Dengawu Tilahun, and Girma Mekonnen, described as group coordinators. In the Awi Zone's Banja District, Asim Kebele, operations led to the deaths of 23 fighters and injuries to 19. Furthermore, in the North Gojjam Zone, specifically around Denamariam Kebele of the Bahir Dar Zuria District, the ENDF reported 17 killed and 8 wounded, naming Fekadu Kalemework, a former federal police officer and Fano campaign coordinator; Minilik Mulat, a militia leader; Andualem Marelign, a campaign coordinator; and militia commanders Bekele Tigabu and Alelegn Chilote among the casualties. Local unit leaders Getnet Kassa, Esuyawkal Abe Wegelssa, Tigabu Abita, and Getahun Kassahun were also reportedly killed.

The ENDF emphasized that regional security forces collaborated effectively with the army, demonstrating "remarkable courage and discipline." The statement also projected that Fano elements would likely resort to "false lamentations" but asserted they would no longer command the "sympathy of the Amhara people." The Eastern Command vowed to intensify its "law enforcement duties against those who infiltrate and endanger civilians."

These claims from the ENDF coincide with contrasting reports of renewed fighting and Fano territorial gains in other areas of the Amhara region. Deutsche Welle (DW) reported on Saturday, 18 October 2025, citing residents and Fano leaders, that Fano forces had seized control of localities such as Checheho, Zebit, Geregera, and Aflakit, stretching between the South Gondar and North Wollo zones. A resident of Checheho confirmed Fano's full control of these areas. Lt. Col. Mikiyas, commander of the Checheho garrison, also informed DW that Fano fighters had captured "six districts in North Wollo Zone" and that government forces had sustained "heavy losses" in recent engagements near Raya Kobo, Muja, and Kulmesk. Another Fano fighter interviewed by DW claimed earlier in the week that Sanka, Zebit, and Dibala had also been captured.

In a separate statement on Friday, 17 October 2025, the ENDF had acknowledged operations in Meresa and surrounding areas of North Wollo Zone against a group aiming to destabilize local peace, leading to insurgent captures and weapon confiscations. Additionally, in the Central Gondar Zone's Takusa District, the ENDF reported capturing 42 fighters, killing 21 others, and seizing a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition.

Amidst these internal clashes, Ethiopia has also lodged a diplomatic complaint. In a letter dated 2 October 2025, addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos (PhD) accused the Eritrean government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) of providing support to Fano fighters during their September offensive to capture Woldiya. The letter alleged direct participation of "TPLF leaders and combatants" in the campaign under a new alliance named 'Ts'mido,' purportedly formed to "wage war against Ethiopia." Ethiopia cautioned that while it "continued to exercise maximum restraint," such restraint was "not without limits."