Summary of recent recorded drone and air strikes in Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Updated January 3, 2025
Overview
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has documented human rights violations and conflict developments in the context of the war in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region.[1] Throughout the conflict the Oromo Prosperity Party regime’s armed forces, primarily the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has carried out drone and air strikes which have resulted in disproportionate civilian casualties.[2, 3]
In summary, the total number of recorded drone and airstrikes since the initial declaration of the state of emergency in Amhara Region or for the period from August 4th, 2023 to December 30th, 2024 (16 month and 26 day period) is 152 which resulted in 1,076 casualties including 823 killed and 253 injured. Given ongoing telecommunications blackout and the vast area of fighting, AAA believes the recorded attacks and casualties are a small percentage of the actual casualties.
For the period between September 25th and December 30th, 2024 (96 day period), over 99 drone and airstrikes were reported across 74 incidents.
The incidents were reported across 46 woreda administrations in 11 zonal administrations of Amhara Region. Zones in which incidents were recorded include West Gonder, Central Gonder, South Gonder, North Gojjam, Awi, West Gojjam, East Gojjam, North Shewa, North Wollo, South Wollo and North Gonder Zones.
Casualties were confirmed in 45 incidents. Though the majority of recorded incidents involved deadly attacks, in some instances sightings were attributed to aerial surveillance however, attacks have often been reported following periods of surveillance. In some incidents, attacks resulted in property losses.
Over this period, 525 casualties were recorded including 390 persons killed and 135 injured with the majority being civilians. Among the victims were young children, women, and elderly persons.
Over this period, 525 casualties were recorded including 390 persons killed and 135 injured with the majority being civilians. Among the victims were young children, women, and elderly persons.
Drone strikes have been previously recorded for the 12 month period since the announcement of the state of emergency in Amhara Region on August 4, 2023.
Between October 16, 2023 and May 12, 2024, AAA documented 53 confirmed deadly drone strikes over 35 distinct incidents which resulted in 551 civilian casualties including 433 killed and 118 injured. These strikes were found to frequently target civilian gatherings at marketplaces, clinics, ambulances, and schools.
The recent re-intensification of drone strikes has been justified by regime military and political leaders claiming to target Fano combatants.
Details of recent recorded drone and airstrikes are provided here by reporting time period (weekly basis) and administrative zone.
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