Fighting broke out in the Debre Medhanit area of East Gojjam Zone and Quarit district in West Gojjam Zone, lasting several days. Residents reported heavy gunfire as Fano militants seized institutions, prompting military action to prevent looting.
In Debre Medhanit, five people were killed, including civilians caught in crossfire, while two more deaths occurred in Quarit’s Genet Abo kebele. A woman was also struck by a stray bullet while walking. Reports indicate security forces have since taken control of the area, with allegations of looting and property destruction.
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) announced operations across multiple zones, claiming to have neutralized over 1,000 militants while seizing weapons and military equipment. However, the ongoing conflict has severely impacted civilians, forcing many to flee as basic services in affected areas remain paralyzed.