Armed rebels operating in Ethiopia’s Amhara region have claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush on government troops, alleging that dozens of soldiers were killed during the operation.
A spokesperson for the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) said fighters carried out the attack in Jama district of Gojjam province, killing at least 45 federal troops and injuring 22 others. The incident reportedly occurred during a coordinated assault that lasted several hours.
Details of the Alleged Ambush
According to Estibel Alemu, deputy spokesperson of the AFNF, the ambush was launched by the group’s 54th division as government soldiers were travelling from Sede to the Kesate Mariam Motta area in East Gojjam. The clash reportedly took place between 9:00 a.m. and noon on Wednesday and involved intense fighting following the initial ambush.
Alemu added that rebel fighters seized 37 AK-47 rifles during the operation. He did not disclose whether AFNF forces suffered casualties.
Military sources cited by the rebels said the government troops were on a logistics mission, transporting supplies to an army unit stationed in the Kesate Birhan area.
Government Response Still Absent
As of the time of reporting, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) had not issued an official response to the rebels’ claims. However, government-aligned sources have previously stated that growing numbers of Fano fighters are surrendering, suggesting a different picture of developments on the ground.
Independent verification of the casualty figures remains difficult due to restricted access and ongoing insecurity in the region.
Prolonged Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns
The fighting in Amhara has continued for over two and a half years, marked by repeated clashes between federal forces and armed groups. Human rights organisations have documented widespread civilian harm, including deaths resulting from drone strikes and allegations of extrajudicial killings attributed to both sides.
In addition, rights groups reported last month that more than 2,000 women may have been raped in connection with the conflict. That estimate was based on findings from an investigation covering 45 health centres across the region, suggesting the actual scale could be significantly higher.
The Amhara conflict remains one of Ethiopia’s most serious security and humanitarian challenges, with continued fighting worsening displacement, civilian suffering, and access to essential services.
Source: Africa Publicity
