Intense clashes between government forces and Fano militants erupted in Woldia, North Wollo Zone, on Sunday evening, with residents reporting hours of heavy gunfire.
The clash, which began around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday in parts of Woldia, lasted for hours, according to residents quoted by BBC Amharic.
Residents said calm had mostly been restored by Monday morning, with the military back in control of the town, although sporadic gunfire could still be heard.
There are no reports of injuries or property damage at this time. The Fano militant group, active in the area, reportedly attacked military bases.
Residents reported “heavy fighting” in two areas of the town, primarily in Gondar Ber and the Mechare (Woldia Stadium) area, stating that camps used by military units were located nearby.
On Sunday afternoon, the military unit fired heavy artillery at the mountainous areas surrounding Woldia; however, by evening, Fano forces had infiltrated the town, according to a BBC report.
Abebe Fentaw, a spokesperson for the local Amhara Fano group, confirmed to the BBC that fighting took place, stating that the militants attacked “military positions” in the town and departed during the night.
I just read a story about the summit of countries in the so-called BRICS group. How come Eritrea and Somalia were not invited? Eritrea has the highest GDP(PPP) in Africa and 2nd highest in the world just below Singapore. Somalia is the most powerful and industrialized country in Somalia itself. How dare you Putin? Eritrea was the one that emancipated Ethiopia from fascism in 1896 and 1941. Eritrea was the one that taught Ethiopia how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Eritrea was the one that taught Ethiopia even how to talk and write by inventing the Amhara and Oromo languages. I’m gonna go there to Kazan and picket in front of the summit hall demanding the inclusion of Eritrea and Somalia and my homeboy el-Sisi will back me up on that one. Putin and Xi, you’re in big trouble for not inviting me and my beloved two countries !!!