Fano forces withdraw from Gondar City after two days of fighting 

September 19, 2024

borkena

Toronto – Fano forces reportedly withdrew from Gondar city after two days of intense fighting. 

According to credible sources with links to the area, like Ethio News, Fano forces are now camping within 10 kilometers of radius from Gondar city and are holding advantageous military positions. 

The source added that the administration undertook a new security assessment of the situation in the area and there is anticipation that Fano forces could strike again any time. 

Government joint forces The Defense forces, anti riot and militia are reportedly instructed to be on a standby in view of the situation in the area. 

Before launching an attack on Gondar city on Tuesday this week, Fano forces took full control of Dabat and Debark towns (both major towns in North Gondar) and many other districts in the area. 

During the battle in Gondar city, Fano forces were in control of many areas and government forces resorted to using heavy weaponry in the city. 

Ethiopian Media Services (EMS) reported that at least 20 civilians were killed in Gondar city during the fighting between government forces and Fano, including children and women. Other sources indicated that one of the victims was a 13 year old girl and two Abinet students (boys studying church based Ethiopian Orthodox Church theology) were killed. 

Fano forces also reported about eight deaths on their part. On the other hand, they make claims that they have killed and wounded well over 100 government soldiers and captured more than 40 including forces from anti-riot and police. The Fano forces are also claiming other military gains including the assessment of the “situation in the city for the next operation.”

The Ethiopian Defense Forces did not remark about the fighting in Gondar areas. Most of the latest updates from the defense force, as shared on social media, are about alleged military gains of the group that calls itself “Oromo Liberation Front.”

Control of cities by Fano forces and immediate  retreat have recently been raising questions about Fano strategy. Despite pressure from the support base in the country abroad, Fano forces are not yet under a single Command Force. However, it is visible from recent video footage that purport to show fano forces that the Fano units in many areas of the Amhara region have grown big in size. 

One of the latest video footage was that of General Tefera Mamo who joined the Fano forces about two months ago. He was purportedly speaking to a huge Fano force in Shewa – within a range of 150 kilometers from the capital Addis Ababa. He spoke in high spirit hailing the military achievement of Fano within a year. “We will not negotiate,” he told his crowds, highlighting the pervasive massacre ethnic Amhara’s have been subjected too. 

Regarding unity, Fano Shaleka Habte and Fano Zemene Mihrete seem to speak about it optimistically. “The works to unite are finalized,” according to Shaleka Habte. 

Situation in South Gondar

Meanwhile , there are reports that government forces withdrew from five districts in South Gondar. Government forces that were stationed in Este Mekane Eyesus, Muja, Endabet, Semada and Tache Gayent have fully retreated and Fano forces took control of the districts, according to a Wazema Radio report. 

Government forces and officials from the districts are now in Debre Tabor – seat of the South Gondar Zone administration. Fano forces are reportedly encircling the town with an apparent move to launch an offensive on government forces that is building up on Debre Tabor. 

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