The ongoing war in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has taken a devastating turn with the increased use of drone strikes and extra judicial killings by the fascist regime of Ethiopian federal forces.
A photo of a child Amen Eniyew, who killed by Ethiopian defence forces drone attack surfaced on social media.
In North Shewa (Abrehet Woreda, Kebele 04) resident area drone attack killed civilians as reported today October 16, 2024 by journalist Belay Manaye.
Bayraktar TB2 drones observed in Bahirdar Belay Zeleke International airport. It is suspected that the recent drone attacks in Gojam and Gondar areas based in Bahirdar airport.
The Context of the Conflict
The Amhara region, a historical and cultural center in Ethiopia, has been embroiled when Fano freedom fighters resisted Abiy Ahmed. The Amhara people began resisting government policies that they felt undermined their security and autonomy. The federal government, in response, launched a military crackdown in 2023, declaring a state of emergency. This conflict has since spiralled, with drone strikes emerging as a key tactic employed by federal forces.
Impact of Drone Strikes
Drone attacks have been increasingly used in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, but their deployment in Amhara marks a significant escalation. These strikes are highly destructive, often indiscriminate, and have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. According to reports, at least 53 drone strikes were carried out in 2023 alone, hitting both military targets and civilian areas . The strikes have destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Many civilians died and many have been displaced, and access to food, water, and medical services has been severely disrupted.
Humanitarian Consequences
The drone attacks are not just causing immediate loss of life but are also contributing to long-term suffering. The destruction of infrastructure has left millions in the Amhara region without access to basic services. Over 4.1 million children are out of school due to the destruction of educational facilities, and hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties while facing shortages of medical supplies . Communications blackouts and restrictions on humanitarian aid have further complicated relief efforts.
International Concerns and Criticism
International human rights organisations have condemned the use of drone strikes, calling them disproportionate and in violation of international law. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has raised alarms over extrajudicial killings, mass arrests, and collective punishment targeting Amhara civilians . The strikes have also drawn criticism from diaspora groups advocating for the Amhara community, who accuse the government of ethnic cleansing.
Conclusion
Drone attacks in the Amhara region costing civilian lives and infrastructure damage raises serious ethical and legal concerns. The international community faces a critical challenge in responding to this growing crisis, which threatens to destabilize not just Ethiopia but the broader Horn of Africa.
As the war crimes of the dictatorial regime gets normalized it must not be forgotten. the international community have to put more pressure for partial investigation on atrocities in the Amhara region. All perpetrators of the Amhara genocide must be brought to justice.
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