APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) At least 60 civilians were killed in the Awi zone of Ethiopia’s Amhara regional state during the past three days, APA reported on Sunday.
In a telephone interview with APA, residents of the zone confirmed the killings and wounding of several others by the joint forces of the Ethiopian Defense Force and the Agaw Shengo armed group in an alleged attempt to clear the area from ethnic Amharas.
Of the total casualties, 36 were reported in the Ayu Gugsa district, while the remaining victims were killed in Zigem district of the zone.
The latter group, formerly an ally of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), had previously engaged in conflict against the Ethiopian Defense Force during the war between the Federal government and the TPLF.
APA’s attempt to solicit remarks from authorities regarding the incident proved unsuccessful.
Human Rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, have linked the Ethiopian Defense Force to widespread human rights abuses in the Amhara region, citing instances of extrajudicial executions and shelling of residential areas with artillery.
Additionally, drone strikes are reported to be extensively used in the region, predominantly affecting civilian populations.
Meanwhile, communities in Gojam, Gondar, Wollo, and Shewa in Amhara region of the east African region continue to feel the heat from the fighting between the Ethiopian Defense Force and Fano Forces.
Notably, intense fighting occurred in the Wollo region between Wuchale and Haik towns on Friday and Saturday,particularly in Haik, town located approximately 30 kilometers north of Dessie town, one of the major cities in Amhara region. .
Earlier in the week, Fano forces briefly gained control of Lalibela in Wollo, but government soldiers successfully recaptured the area on Friday. Religious leaders are expressing grave concern that the fighting in the area is impacting the safety of the historical Lalibela churches.
The Ethiopian government forces have recaptured the Lalibela town where the world heritage of Rock hewn Churches are located Fano militia forces withdrew from Lalibela town in North Ethiopia on Thursday as government soldiers recaptured it after a day under the control of the militia forces.
MG/abj/APA