In Ethiopia's Amhara region, an airstrike has killed at least 26 people, while more than 50&nbsp;are estimated to be wounded in the attack. The attack that occurred on Sunday morning (August 13th) in Finote Selam, a town in Amhara’s West Gojjam zone, is the latest instance of violence in Ethiopia's second-biggest state.

<h2>The deadliest single episode</h2>

Talking to The Guardian, hospital officials said that 26 people have died. They also shared a tally of people injured in the attack that, as per the report, is one of the deadliest single episodes since August — when violence erupted in the region.

Residents of the area told the Guardian that the attack was targeted at members of the Fano ethnic militia, who were gathered in the town's centre. However, in the process, many bystanders were hurt. As of now, it is unclear how many of the victims are civilians.&nbsp;

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"22 bodies were brought to the hospital, while four others who were critically injured died soon after arriving in the hospital," in Finote Selam, said a hospital official while talking to AFP.

"We've so far received 55 injured patients, out of which more than 40 are gravely injured,"&nbsp;added the hospital official, speaking anonymously over safety concerns.

A resident told the news agency that he had "helped in the burial of bodies of 30 victims,"&nbsp;and that&nbsp;he saw "a medium-sized freight vehicle had been completely destroyed in an air strike with dead bodies strewn around the vehicle".

<h2>Fano militia</h2>

There are worries that Northern Ethiopia may be on the brink of war. This comes as the Fano militia has seized control of several towns across Amhara, where the Monday attack happened.

According to the Guardian report, the militia has been breaking out prison inmates, trashing government offices and looting weapons from police stations.

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Responding to the Fano militia activities, authorities have shut off the internet and declared a state of emergency. On Wednesday, the authorities claimed they have taken back control of Amhara's towns. They also said that services would soon resume. However, as per the reports, observers have voiced fears that the militia may be planning a guerrilla campaign. There are reports of tanks rolling through major towns, including Bahir Dar, the regional capital, and the use of artillery in civilian neighbourhoods.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Ethiopia's Amhara region, an airstrike has killed at least 26 people, while more than 50 are estimated to be wounded in the attack. The attack that occurred on Sunday morning (August 13th) in Finote Selam, a town in Amhara’s West Gojjam zone, is the latest instance of violence in Ethiopia's second-biggest state.

In Ethiopia's Amhara region, an airstrike has killed at least 26 people, while more than 50 are estimated to be wounded in the attack. The attack that occurred on Sunday morning (August 13th) in Finote Selam, a town in Amhara’s West Gojjam zone, is the latest instance of violence in Ethiopia's second-biggest state. The deadliest single episode Talking to The Guardian, hospital officials said that 26 people have died. They also shared a tally of people injured in the attack that, as per the report, is one of the deadliest single episodes since August — when violence erupted in the region. Residents of the area told the Guardian that the attack was targeted at members of the Fano ethnic militia, who were gathered in the town's centre. However, in the process, many bystanders were hurt. As of now, it is unclear how many of the victims are civilians. Also read | Russia claims it scrambled MiG-29 to thwart Norway's attempt of potential border breach "22 bodies were brought to the hospital, while four others who were critically injured died soon after arriving in the hospital," in Finote Selam, said a hospital official while talking to AFP. "We've so far received 55 injured patients, out of which more than 40 are gravely injured," added the hospital official, speaking anonymously over safety concerns. A resident told the news agency that he had "helped in the burial of bodies of 30 victims," and that he saw "a medium-sized freight vehicle had been completely destroyed in an air strike with dead bodies strewn around the vehicle". Fano militia There are worries that Northern Ethiopia may be on the brink of war. This comes as the Fano militia has seized control of several towns across Amhara, where the Monday attack happened. According to the Guardian report, the militia has been breaking out prison inmates, trashing government offices and looting weapons from police stations. Also read | Latvian PM Krisjanis Karins announces resignation amid coalition struggles Responding to the Fano militia activities, authorities have shut off the internet and declared a state of emergency. On Wednesday, the authorities claimed they have taken back control of Amhara's towns. They also said that services would soon resume. However, as per the reports, observers have voiced fears that the militia may be planning a guerrilla campaign. There are reports of tanks rolling through major towns, including Bahir Dar, the regional capital, and the use of artillery in civilian neighbourhoods. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Airstrike in Ethiopia's Amhara kills 26, 'gravely' injures more than 50 people

Ethiopia is scrambling under a crisis stemming from power struggle in several regions of the country, especially Amhara. The nation stares at uncertainty as it declares a 6-month emergency in Amhara over growing militia influence and frequent spurts of violence. Is Ethiopia spiralling into a much bigger security crisis?

Ethiopia declares emergency in Amhara region

The Ethiopian government on Friday (August 4) declared a six-month state of emergency in the Amhara region following clashes between the country's military and local Fano militiamen.

The Ethiopian government on Friday (August 4) declared a six-month state of emergency in the Amhara region following clashes between the country's military and local Fano militiamen. In a statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said, "It was found necessary to declare a state of emergency as it had become difficult to control this outrageous activity based on the regular legal system." Fighting has been going on for several days between the military and the Fano militia. Fano fighters backed the military during a two-year civil war in the neighbouring Tigray region that ended last November, but a simmering feud in recent months has burst into the open this week. On Thursday, the region's government asked federal authorities to take appropriate measures in response to the intensifying clashes. What powers does govt have during emergency period? According to a report by the news agency Reuters late Friday, the six-month emergency allows the Ethiopian government to impose curfews, restrict movement, and ban public gatherings. The government also has the power to ban the carrying of guns and other sharp objects, make arrests and conduct searches without warrants. In a statement posted on X, formerly called Twitter, the government communication service said that the government could also close or limit the movements of media outlets it deems to be operating contrary to the emergency orders. For now, the emergency order is only for Amhara but could be imposed in other areas if needed. Intense fighting reported near university, mobile internet suspended Two residents of Amhara's second-biggest city, Gondar said on Friday that intense fighting took place the previous day near the university. Speaking to Reuters, one of the residents said, "ENDF ( Ethiopian National Defence Force) first controlled the university, but they were pushed back by Fano. They were trying to advance to the centre of the city, but they couldn't." The second resident, who is also a local official, said the military pulled back from the university but did not say why. Education Minister Berhanu Nega told a news conference that 16,000 students in Gondar were unable to do their leaving exams on Thursday. A member from the Fano militia, meanwhile, said the militiamen were trying to encircle Amhara's capital Bahir Dar, adding they had captured Merawi, a town 30 kilometres south of Bahir Dar. Mobile internet was also suspended in Gondar. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to three of the four airports it flies to in Amhara, an airline spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ethiopia: Govt declares six-month state of emergency in Amhara following clashes

Ethiopia is cracking down on Militia fighters. Authorities have arrested over 4000 people in the Amhara region. Over 300 out of 4000 are accused of killings

Ethiopia is cracking down on Militia fighters

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria.

In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it."

He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together."

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Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: 
 
- claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis 
 
- allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit <a href="https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3">https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3</a>
— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMEthiopia/status/1455830782107324416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-declares-nationwide-emergency-as-insurgents-threaten-the-capital-426337">Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital</a>

A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tigray People's Liberation Front members." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abc8a814-508f-4145-a055-84dd4118c301" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_179.jpg" />

The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight.&nbsp; 
 
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On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. 
 
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The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it." He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together." Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: - claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis - allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3 — Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) November 3, 2021 × He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's rebel alliance 'set to destroy' the country: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital.&nbsp;

The steps were taken after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, which has been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration for over a year, made reported progress.&nbsp;

"The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country," state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting reported. 
 
WATCH:

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The six-month state of emergency allows for the establishment of roadblocks, the disruption of transportation services, the imposition of curfews, and the military's takeover of particular districts, among other things. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

Everyone suspected of having ties to "terrorist" organisations may be imprisoned without a court order, and anyone above the age of military duty could be drafted to fight.&nbsp; 
 
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According to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, the measure also empowers authorities to conscript "any military-age person who owns weapons" or suspend any media outlets suspected of "giving moral support directly or indirectly" to the TPLF.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital.

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital. The steps were taken after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, which has been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration for over a year, made reported progress. "The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country," state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting reported. WATCH: The six-month state of emergency allows for the establishment of roadblocks, the disruption of transportation services, the imposition of curfews, and the military's takeover of particular districts, among other things. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis Everyone suspected of having ties to "terrorist" organisations may be imprisoned without a court order, and anyone above the age of military duty could be drafted to fight. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN According to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, the measure also empowers authorities to conscript "any military-age person who owns weapons" or suspend any media outlets suspected of "giving moral support directly or indirectly" to the TPLF. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this.

The fighters pushed Ethiopian government forces from Dessie and were headed towards the town of Kombolcha, Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), told Reuters by satellite phone from an undisclosed location.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

He said Tigrayan forces had captured numerous Ethiopian soldiers.

Legesse Tulu, the government spokesperson, told Reuters in a text message that the town was still under the control of the Ethiopian government and said claims by the Tigrayan forces were "fabricated propaganda".

Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane referred Reuters to the federal government. Amhara spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh, the mayor of Dessie and a spokesperson for the town did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not independently verify the account of either side as phone lines in Dessie appeared to be down as of Saturday afternoon.

The capture of Dessie would be a strategic gain for the Tigrayan fighters against the central government forces who are trying to dislodge them from the Amhara region.

The large town is some 385 km (240 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, and is the furthest south in Amhara that the TPLF has reached since pushing into the region in July.

A school director in Dessie said he saw Ethiopian soldiers retreating from the town on Saturday morning towards Kombolcha and that power across town had been off since Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortages-block-food-aid-in-famine-threatened-tigray-un-423100">Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN</a>

Another resident of Dessie also said the town had no power and that the federal army had left. Both said they had heard Tigrayan fighters were in town but had not seen them. Both residents spoke on condition of anonymity.

War broke nearly a year ago between federal troops and the TPLF. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million people have been forced to flee.

Tigrayan forces were initially beaten back, but recaptured most of the region in July and pushed into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions.

In mid-October, the Tigrayan forces said the military had launched a ground offensive to push them out of Amhara. The military said on Thursday there was heavy fighting there, but accused the Tigrayan forces of starting it.

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this.

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this. The fighters pushed Ethiopian government forces from Dessie and were headed towards the town of Kombolcha, Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), told Reuters by satellite phone from an undisclosed location. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis He said Tigrayan forces had captured numerous Ethiopian soldiers. Legesse Tulu, the government spokesperson, told Reuters in a text message that the town was still under the control of the Ethiopian government and said claims by the Tigrayan forces were "fabricated propaganda". Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane referred Reuters to the federal government. Amhara spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh, the mayor of Dessie and a spokesperson for the town did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the account of either side as phone lines in Dessie appeared to be down as of Saturday afternoon. The capture of Dessie would be a strategic gain for the Tigrayan fighters against the central government forces who are trying to dislodge them from the Amhara region. The large town is some 385 km (240 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, and is the furthest south in Amhara that the TPLF has reached since pushing into the region in July. A school director in Dessie said he saw Ethiopian soldiers retreating from the town on Saturday morning towards Kombolcha and that power across town had been off since Friday. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN Another resident of Dessie also said the town had no power and that the federal army had left. Both said they had heard Tigrayan fighters were in town but had not seen them. Both residents spoke on condition of anonymity. War broke nearly a year ago between federal troops and the TPLF. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million people have been forced to flee. Tigrayan forces were initially beaten back, but recaptured most of the region in July and pushed into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions. In mid-October, the Tigrayan forces said the military had launched a ground offensive to push them out of Amhara. The military said on Thursday there was heavy fighting there, but accused the Tigrayan forces of starting it.

Tigrayan forces say they have taken town in Ethiopia's Amhara region, government denies

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign". Amhara region borders Tigray to the South. The regions are embroiled in a decades long dispute that has become central to eight-month-old war in Tigray.

Sunday's statement from Amhara regional president Agegnehu Teshager echoes a call made Friday by the president of Ethiopia's Afar region just east of Tigray.

Together the two statements highlight the potential for the Tigray war, which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared all but over in late November, to draw in the rest of the country.

"Starting from tomorrow (Monday), I call on all people of age who are armed either at governmental or private level to mobilise for a survival campaign," Agegnehu said.

Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a move he said was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps.

Fighting dragged on for months before the war took a stunning turn in late June, with pro-TPLF fighters reclaiming the Tigray capital Mekele and Abiy declaring a unilateral ceasefire.

Yet clashes have continued and officials from six regions and the city of Dire Dawa have since said they would send troops to back government forces.&nbsp;

The war has already killed thousands and, according to the United Nations, pushed hundreds of thousands into famine.

(Wion web team)

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign".

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign". Amhara region borders Tigray to the South. The regions are embroiled in a decades long dispute that has become central to eight-month-old war in Tigray. Sunday's statement from Amhara regional president Agegnehu Teshager echoes a call made Friday by the president of Ethiopia's Afar region just east of Tigray. Together the two statements highlight the potential for the Tigray war, which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared all but over in late November, to draw in the rest of the country. "Starting from tomorrow (Monday), I call on all people of age who are armed either at governmental or private level to mobilise for a survival campaign," Agegnehu said. Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a move he said was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps. Fighting dragged on for months before the war took a stunning turn in late June, with pro-TPLF fighters reclaiming the Tigray capital Mekele and Abiy declaring a unilateral ceasefire. Yet clashes have continued and officials from six regions and the city of Dire Dawa have since said they would send troops to back government forces. The war has already killed thousands and, according to the United Nations, pushed hundreds of thousands into famine. (Wion web team)

Ethiopia: Amhara region boss makes appeal against Tigray rebels

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