Fano forces in Ethiopia’s Amhara region released a statement on Monday, addressing the Ethiopian government’s ongoing military campaign in the region.
The statement, written in Amharic, responded to what they described as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s “final large-scale military operation” targeting Fano troops in four key areas of the Amhara region.
In their statement, Fano troops accused the government of committing atrocities against ethnic Amhara civilians and claimed that authorities were confiscating weapons from towns and cities under their control.
They also alleged that the government was preparing for a significant military campaign and claimed to have completed their own preparations to counter this offensive.
According to the statement, the Ethiopian government has been using Ethiopian Airlines flights to transport military personnel to the region.
It further stated that mechanized forces have been deployed, including in Bahir Dar, a key city in the Amhara region.
The Fano statement also criticized military leaders of Amhara ethnicity, accusing them of participating in the government’s operations against their own people.
Several high-ranking officers were named, including General Abebaw Tadesse, the deputy chief of staff, and Generals Zewdu Belay and Adamneh Mengiste.
These officers were accused of leading the “final operation against Fano” and aiding in what the statement described as the government’s misuse of national resources to fund the military campaign.
The statement emphasized the unity and military readiness of Fano forces, calling on young people to avoid aligning with the ruling Prosperity Party.
It also urged defense and security personnel to join Fano in opposing the government’s actions.
Fano forces also announced plans for a regional road blockade starting on October 3, in an attempt to disrupt the government’s military operations.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that over 600 local government employees have been detained by Ethiopian authorities, allegedly for providing intelligence and support to Fano forces.
The government has not officially responded to these allegations.
Ethiopia’s Amhara region has been a focal point of conflict in recent years, with tensions between government forces and regional militias, including Fano, frequently escalating.
The ongoing military operations come amid broader efforts to stabilize the region following months of unrest.