By 9jaeye 
In October 2024, Ethiopian military forces were once again implicated in the killing of civilians in the Amhara region, as tensions between the federal government and the Fano militia escalated. The incident, which involved a drone strike in Amhara’s North Shewa Zone, claimed the lives of at least 30 civilians, including women and children. The attack took place near a village called Fela Turn, where civilians were attending a local celebration before being struck by the drones. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with many bodies too mangled to recognize. Despite the Ethiopian army’s claims that they were targeting Fano fighters, locals and human rights organizations have confirmed that civilians were the primary victims.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent clashes between the Ethiopian military and Fano militia, who were once allies in the war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, tensions have flared between the two groups since 2023, when the federal government ordered Fano militias to disarm, sparking widespread rebellion throughout the Amhara region. The Ethiopian government has imposed significant restrictions on communication in the area, making it difficult to confirm the exact number of casualties or to allow independent investigations.
A History of Violence: January and February 2024 Massacres
This October incident follows a brutal series of killings in Merawi earlier this year. In January and February 2024, Ethiopian military forces were responsible for the summary execution of dozens of civilians after Fano fighters attacked government troops in the town. Human Rights Watch reports that Ethiopian soldiers conducted door-to-door raids, shooting civilians and looting homes. Over 80 people are believed to have died in the attack, with bodies found lining the streets and homes destroyed.
Growing International Concerns
The international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, has expressed growing alarm over these repeated killings. Both have called for independent investigations into the Ethiopian military’s actions in Amhara, as concerns about war crimes and human rights abuses mount.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
Despite these atrocities, the Ethiopian government has yet to face significant consequences for its actions. Human rights organizations have called for increased international pressure on Ethiopia to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent further abuses against civilians. With the situation continuing to worsen, many are hoping that greater international involvement can bring an end to the violence.
For more of interesting stories and Breaking News, check 9ja Eye News categories.