| Conflict: | 2024 Amhara offensive |
| Place: | Amhara Region, Ethiopia |
| Partof: | War in Amhara |
| Combatant2: |  Ethiopia---- Oromo Liberation Army |
| Combatant1: | Fano |
| Units1: |
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| Units2: |
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| Date: | July 2024 – present |
| Result: | Fano captures Metemma and parts of Gondar city as well as other strategic areas |
During July 2024, the Fano militia started an offensive in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.[1] [2] The offensive resulted in the capture of several key cities and strategic areas, including the city of Debark and the Ethiopian-Sudanese border town of Metemma. The offensive is part of the ongoing War in Amhara, a conflict that began in April 2023 between the Fano militia and the Ethiopian government.
During July 2024, Fano began a broad offensive in the Amhara region which enabled it to seize control of rural territories.[3]
Fano units in Gondar started attacking the B30 Highway in September after a lull in August and launched an offensive to gain control over the C34 road,[4] which links Amhara to neighboring Sudan. Fano carried out another eight attacks along the B30, this time claiming to briefly seize four villages, including two villages that were previously reportedly under Fano control.[5]
On 1 September 2024, Fano seized the strategic Ethiopia-Sudan border town of Metemma, cutting off crucial supply lines for fuel and food from Sudan. After intense fighting, ENDF troops were forced to retreat into Sudan and were disarmed by Sudanese authorities.[6]
On 17 September, Fano launched a large-scale offensive against Gondar, one of the largest cities in the Amhara region. The attack followed a rise in violent crimes, including robbery and kidnapping, which had been plaguing the city.[7] Footage claimed to have shown the ENDF using tanks to shoot at densely populated neighbourhoods in Gondar.[8] After heavy fighting, Fano claimed to have taken control of much of Gondar.[9] [10] [11] [12] The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to more than 30 others. Dozens of other people were confirmed killed during the fighting in the city at the end of September, and urban warfare in Gondar continued into October.[13]
Fano's forces also captured key portions of the B30 Highway, which connects Gondar to other strategic areas.
In the days following the capture of Gondar, Fano expanded its operations to nearby towns, including Azezo and Debark. By 21 September, Fano forces claimed to have captured Debark after fierce fighting with government-aligned forces.[14]
On 21 September, Fano militias captured the Rema Shewa road, located approximately 200 kilometres from Addis Ababa.[15] Militants also expanded attacks to the neighboring B31 road, the other major road linking Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar, carrying out 12 attacks along the B31.[16]
On 23 September, Fano militias claimed to have started an offensive onto North Shewa Zone.[17]
On 1 October 2024, the Ethiopian National Defence Force and Amhara regional government announced in a joint statement an intensification of security operations.[18] On 3 October, Fano commenced a travel ban on all major roads in the Amhara region. In a joint statement, the Fano groups from Gondar, Gojjam, Shewa, and Wollo urged the public to follow the vehicle movement ban, and has warned that those who violate the directive will face consequences.[19] As of 3 October 2024, heavy fighting is ongoing between Fano and government forces in multiple localities of the South Gondar Zone. Residents have reported airstrikes being employed in several districts of the zone, reportedly in both rural mountainous and urban civilian areas. Central Gondar Zone is also the scene of ongoing fighting.[20]
For several weeks the region has seen a significant influx of ENDF reinforcements.[21] The offensive has also seen the intensification of the air campaign against Fano insurgents by the Ethiopian Air Force. Air and drone strikes have been conducted on the Gondar and Gojjam zones of the Amhara region since the start of October, with helicopter gunships also being present in the operation.[22]
The Ethiopian government has so far been unable to defeat Fano militarily, though Fano has been unable to capitalize on this politically due to its highly decentralized nature.[23]