In an incident that unfolded on Sunday, a suspected air strike in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has resulted in the loss of at least 26 lives, according to a hospital official. The attack took place in Finote Selam and is being deemed one of the deadliest incidents in this strife-torn region. The violence has involved clashes between government forces and Fano, a paramilitary force, further exacerbating Ethiopia’s already fragile security situation.
Expressing “grave concern” over the escalating hostilities, Ethiopia’s human rights commission has called for immediate measures to end the violence. The country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, had recently enforced a six-month state of emergency across Amhara, starting from the 4th of August. This move was prompted by ongoing tensions fueled by Fano’s accusations that the central government seeks to weaken Amhara’s defenses.
The crisis in Amhara marks the country’s worst turmoil since the conclusion of the civil war in the northern Tigray region in November. Notably, Fano had supported federal forces during the Tigray conflict. Refusing to disarm, Fano’s defiance eventually led to the deployment of the national army by the federal government.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene, where victims, ranging from a 13-year-old child to the elderly, were brought to the hospital. Wearing either casual civilian clothing or Sunday traditional attire, all the casualties were victims of the unidentified explosion. While the exact cause remains uncertain, residents claim the attack was carried out by a drone strike.
According to a university teacher who was visiting a relative, he witnessed 14 bodies at the hospital and was informed by a medical worker that an additional 12 lives were lost. Further, 55 individuals are currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the tragic incident.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has documented various human rights violations committed during the ongoing violence. These include the killing of protesters, looting of weapons and ammunition from police stations and prisons, and the targeting of Amhara regional administration officials. The EHRC has issued an urgent appeal, asking all conflicting parties to immediately cease all actions that violate human rights laws.
The escalating violence has also had international ramifications. The Israeli government, for instance, recently carried out an evacuation operation to safeguard its citizens and Jewish community members in the Amhara region. Amhara is home to a significant number of Jewish individuals.
Ethiopia, once a beacon of stability in Africa, now finds itself grappling with a deepening crisis. As the government and Fano stand at loggerheads, the need for urgent intervention to halt the violence and restore peace has become more critical than ever. The international community, regional organizations, and key stakeholders must now come together to facilitate dialogue and find a lasting solution to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Ethiopia.
Image Credit: AP Photo/File
