At least 20 people were killed in a heavy weapon attack over the weekend near Gondar City in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. The attack occurred on September 29, 2024, according to residents of Ayemba Village in the Dembia district, who reported the incident to the media.
Additionally, sources from the South Gondar Zone informed Ethiopian media that intense fighting has persisted between the Fano militia and government security forces, particularly in the Kimir Dingay district.
A resident of Ayemba Village, speaking anonymously, described the situation: “The government security forces stationed at the Azezo camp were firing ZU-23, BM, and mortars.”
The source added that peaceful civilians fleeing Ayemba were tragically caught in the attack. Along with the 20 fatalities reported on Sunday, three members of a single family were injured in the incident.
Another anonymous source from Gondar City revealed to Addis Standard that heavy weaponry-fueled battles and airstrikes have occurred in several neighborhoods over the past week. According to local accounts, the fighting continues in South Gondar Zone, with airstrikes reported in districts such as Ebenat, Gayint, and Kimir Dingay. The source added, “I’ve heard that bombs have been dropped in residential areas where civilians live, not just in mountainous regions.”
As of today, October 3, 2024, notices have appeared across Gondar City announcing an indefinite suspension of all transportation operations in the Amhara Region due to ongoing conflict.
The violence in Central and South Gondar continues to claim civilian lives, as fighting between government forces and Fano militants intensifies. Recent reports from Ethiopian media confirm that the conflict has led to increasing civilian casualties over the past weeks.
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Amhara regional administration issued a joint statement recently, asserting their commitment to “law enforcement operations” aimed at restoring peace. This follows a militarized conflict that has lasted over 14 months. Mengesha Fentaw, the director of the Amhara Communication Bureau, announced on October 1, 2024, that these operations would target “armed groups and leaders within government structures,” with plans to intensify efforts. He added that the goal is to take “decisive measures” against those planning armed activities, stating, “Action has already been taken against many of the extremist group’s leaders.”