In recent months, the Amara region of Ethiopia has witnessed a surge in drone attacks, bringing severe consequences to its residents (Photo: SM/file).
Tragically, a drone strike in the Shoa area of the Amhara region claimed the lives of two children, aged eight and nine, and an elderly woman. Another woman suffered severe injuries during the attack.
Reports from Ethiopian Media Service (EMS) revealed the grievous circumstances, emphasizing that the wounded woman remains in critical condition. Fano Mintesnot, the head of the Political Division and Public Relations for the Amhara Fano Popular Organization, addressed the attack’s details in an interview with Anchor Media, a U.S.-based Ethiopian news outlet.
The drone strike took place late Wednesday night around 9 p.m. Sources suggest that there were no Fano forces nearby during the incident.
It is believed that the drones targeted a shelter housing internally displaced individuals, including those who were recently displaced following a landslide that led to several fatalities.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Ethiopian government regarding this incident.
Throughout the Amhara region, reports indicate an escalation in drone strikes since early last month. According to Fano leaders like Asres Mare, the government’s increased deployment of drones is a sign of “frustration over losses on the battlefield.”
In early October, the Ethiopian government embarked on what it termed a “final operation” aimed at eradicating Fano forces and reclaiming contested areas. This ambitious operation involved the deployment of an estimated 40,000 additional troops to the region.
Fano’s leadership maintains that the government’s efforts have largely failed. Videos circulating on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook depict captured government soldiers in large numbers. Although the Ethiopian Defense Force hasn’t officially confirmed or denied these reports, they mentioned that “Fano forces are surrendering.” Meanwhile, government-owned television channels have aired videos allegedly showing Fano forces surrendering to the military in areas like North Gondar and South Wollo. In response, Fano forces have denounced these videos as misleading government propaganda.
Civilian casualties due to drone strikes have been alarmingly high. A recent strike in the Gojjam area reportedly resulted in over 50 civilian deaths by targeting a school, a health facility, and a bustling market. The ongoing conflict continues to put innocent lives at stake, raising fears and uncertainties among the local population.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
