During the Fano insurgency, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has heavily utilized drone strikes in combat operations against the Fano militia and the civilian population. The attacks have reportedly resulted in widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and a growing humanitarian crisis.
Since late 2024, drone operations have escalated drastically following the commencement of major ENDF counteroffensives. This escalation has notably impacted rural communities and urban fringes across the Gojjam, Shewa, and Wollo zones, repeatedly drawing international concern over collateral infrastructure damage and non-combatant fatalities.
Over 600 people have been killed in drone strikes since the insurgency began in 2023.
List of drone strikes
+ Documented Drone Strikes in the Amhara Region Date Location Target/Context Reported Casualties Ref. 13 August 2023 Finote Selam (West Gojjam Zone) Town center / Public square 26–30 people killed 55+ people injured 9 November 2023 Waber (East Gojjam Zone) Primary school and surrounding civilian area 13 people killed Multiple infrastructure areas destroyed 30 November 2023 Wegel Tena (South Wollo Zone) Near healthcare facility infrastructure 5 people killed (including a prominent medical doctor) 5 December 2023 Wegel Tena (South Wollo Zone) Residential/Militia encounter corridor 10 people killed 19 February 2024 Near Sasit (North Shewa Zone) Passenger truck transit route 30+ people killed 18 people injured 11–14 October 2024 Gerchech, Mecha woreda (North Gojjam Zone) Intermittent strikes during military counteroffensive 100+ people killed 26 October 2024 Achefer (North Gojjam Zone) Rural settlement corridors 50+ people killed (reports include pregnant women) 5 November 2024 Durbete (West Gojjam Zone) Town vicinity during intense infantry clashes 30+ people killed (reports note a mix of civilians and militants) 17 April 2025 Gedeb (East Gojjam Zone) Rural locality / Local congregation area 100+ people killed 15 January 2026Wag Hemra ZoneFriendly fire incident on pro-government base camp 40+ killed (pro-government troops)
References