Fighting between the Ethiopian army and the Fano militia in the restive Amhara region has left at least nine people dead.
According to hospital and local sources, the clash occurred in the town of Debark, approximately 750 kilometers from Addis Ababa. The violence reportedly took place on Monday, though official details remain unclear.
A source at a local hospital said that nine to ten people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 35 others were hospitalized. One Fano militant was also reported dead in the clash.
Local officials later reported a higher death toll, claiming at least 20 people had died. Conflicting accounts reflect the difficulty in monitoring the conflict due to restricted access for journalists.
Amhara has experienced ongoing unrest since the federal government vowed to dismantle regional paramilitary groups in 2023. The Fano militia, which supported the government during the Tigray War, has increasingly targeted federal forces.
Despite the expiration of a state of emergency in June, violence in the region continues, with no signs of resolution.