2024 Amhara offensive

2024 Amhara offensive
Part of War in Amhara
Map as of 21 September 2024.
Date 1 September 2024 - present Location Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Belligerents
Fano	Ethiopia Oromo Liberation Army
Units involved
Amhara People's Army Fano in Wollo Province Fano in Gojjam Fano of Gondar Fano in Gondar Shewa Governorate	ENDF Pro-government Oromo militia Oromo Liberation Army

In September 2024, the Fano militia started an offensive in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, The offensive resulted in the capture of several key cities and strategic areas, including the city of Gondar and the Ethiopian-Sudanese border town of Metemma. The offensive is part of the ongoing War in Amhara, a conflict that began in April 2023 between the Fano militia and the Ethiopian government.

Timeline

On 1 September 2024, Fano seized the strategic Ethiopia-Sudan border town of Metemma, cutting off crucial supply lines for fuel and food from Sudan. After intense fighting, ENDF troops were forced to retreat into Sudan after being disarmed by Sudanese authorities.

On 17 September, Fano launched a large-scale offensive against Gondar, one of the largest cities in the Amhara region. The attack followed a rise in violent crimes, including robbery and kidnapping, which had been plaguing the city. Footage claimed to have shown the ENDF using tanks to shoot at densely populated neighbourhoods in Gondar. After heavy fighting, Fano claimed to have taken control of much of Gondar. The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to more than 30 others.

Fano's forces also captured key portions of the B30 Highway, which connects Gondar to other strategic areas.

In the days following the capture of Gondar, Fano expanded its operations to nearby towns, including Azezo and Debark. By 21 September, Fano forces claimed to have captured Debark after fierce fighting with government-aligned forces.

On 21 September, Fano militias captured the Rema Shewa road, located approximately 200 kilometres from Addis Ababa.