The Amhara Association of America (AAA) in its latest report suggests that the Ethiopian federal army carried out 72 drone strikes across the Amhara region of Ethiopia over a span of two months, resulting largely in civilian casualties.
The report, seen by APA this weekend stated that the incidents were reported across 38 districts in 10 zonal administrations of the region” between September 25 and November 23 this year.
“434 casualties were recorded, including 321 were killed and 113 injured, with the majority being civilians” the report said, noting that children, women, and elderly persons were among the victims.
The Ethiopian Defense Force has been intensifying drone and airstrikes in an attempt to destroy Fano forces following recurring losses in infantry-based battles in different parts of the region.
This week, the Defense Force claimed that Fano forces suffered severe losses and that “their fighting morale is dropping.”
Referring to Fano as “extremist”, it claimed the group is now isolated from the people in the region—a claim that appears inconsistent with credible reports indicating that most of the Amhara region is still under the control of Fano forces.
Fano forces have dismissed the government’s narratives as propaganda.
There are also reports that political efforts are underway within Fano forces to unite all groups from four areas in the Amhara region namely Gonder, Gojam, Wello and Shoa under a single command structure.
Meanwhile, senior Defense Force commanders are reportedly holding a meeting in Debre Berhan, the seat of the North Shoa Administration.
According to information reaching APA, the Defence Force is considering withdrawing from the Amhara region if the Fano forces are not entirely defeated by the end of December this year.
MG/as/APA