ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 7 (AGCNewsNet) - At least 43 civilians have been killed in a drone strike in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, eyewitnesses reported, marking an escalation in the conflict between government forces and local Fano militia.

The attack reportedly took place in the South Achefer area of Gojam country, with similar strikes also occurring in North Shoa near Debre Berhan, a town within the Amhara region. Eyewitnesses told AGCNewsNet that government forces conducted a drone strike in the Basosa area, approximately 22 kilometres from Debre Berhan Town, around 3 p.m. local time.

A separate strike in Angolala, close to Debre Berhan, hit Sholamba Primary School. Fano Abdela Indris, a Shoa-based leader of the Fano forces, confirmed that one civilian near the school was killed in the attack.

The Ethiopian Defense Force has not commented on the incidents in Debre Berhan but has recently claimed significant victories over what it terms “extremist” forces—a reference to the Fano militia. Despite these claims, heavy drone strikes continue in Gojam and Shoa, casting doubt on the assertion that Fano forces are retreating or dispersing.

Meanwhile, reports indicate continued clashes between Fano and government forces across the Amhara region, with intense fighting near Finote Selam town and in the South and North Wollo areas, eyewitnesses said.