War Developments in Amhara Region, Ethiopia – December 8 to 14, 2025
- AAA-admin
- 21 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Important Note: AAA is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to documenting human rights abuses that occur within the contexts of conflict, violence, and political oppression. A significant part of AAA's mission involves educating policymakers, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties by providing them with current information on the situation in Ethiopia. It is essential to clarify that AAA does not support any political groups or organizations, whether in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
Updated December 15, 2025
Summary
During the period from December 8 to 14, 2025, clashes between the Amhara Fano self-defense force (commonly known as Fano) and the joint forces of the Prosperity Party regime have persisted across various regions in Ethiopia's Amhara Region.
What's Happening?
Throughout this week, reports of military engagements and human rights violations surfaced in over 39 woreda or city administrations, spanning 11 zonal administrations within the Amhara Region. The affected zones included Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, South Gonder, Central Gonder, West Gonder, and North Gonder. Additionally, noteworthy developments were recorded in the East Wollega Zone of the Oromia Region.
Civilian Impact
Tragically, civilian casualties have been reported in seven woreda or city administrations distributed across four zonal areas in the Amhara Region. The locations affected include Korem, Kobo, Bugna, Aneded, Shebel-Berenta, Gonder-Zuriya, and Wegera Woredas found in North Wollo, East Gojjam, South Gonder, and Central Gonder Zones. Notably, in Korem city within the Wag-Hemra Zone, forces associated with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) conducted a lethal assault targeting a mother and her child. Furthermore, there were also deadly incidents involving civilians carried out by the Oromia Region Special Forces (OSF) in the East Wollega Zone of Oromia.
Arrests and Abductions
The week also saw arrests made in the Raya-Alamata, Shebel-Berenta, and Wegera Woredas, which are located in North Wollo, East Gojjam, and Central Gonder Zones. In Raya-Alamata Woreda, TPLF forces undertook detentions aimed at civilians associated with churches linked to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). Reports also noted instances of abductions occurring in Kobo city in North Wollo Zone.
Escalating Violence
Adding to the ongoing turmoil, regime forces executed a drone strike that targeted a primary school in the Gishe-Rabel Woreda of North Shewa Zone in the Amhara Region, leading to civilian casualties.
As we analyze these events, it becomes clear that the situation remains tense and complex. The ongoing violence raises crucial questions about the future of human rights and stability in the region. But here's where it gets controversial: How can we balance the need for security with the protection of civilian lives? What steps should be taken to ensure accountability for these actions? We invite you to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
