Amhara Fano Secures Strategic Victory, Crushing Ethiopian Government Forces at Sudan Border

Sudanese authorities have closed the Galabat border crossing with Ethiopia after Fano militias from Ethiopia’s Amhara region took control of the crossing on the Ethiopian side. This action has led to the suspension of all border trade and travel activities, with Sudanese authorities disarming Ethiopian Federal Police and military personnel stationed at the crossing. The Amhara Fano, however, allowed Sudanese nationals stranded within Ethiopia to leave the area.

The situation escalated further today, as clashes between the Ethiopian army and Amhara Fano intensified near the border. In response, Sudan has deployed military reinforcements to the Galabat border crossing. The Gedaref State Security Committee, after a lengthy meeting that lasted until early Tuesday morning, decided to keep the crossing closed and bolster military presence in the area.

Violent battles erupted in the Ethiopian Koket region, approximately 15 kilometers from the Sudanese Galabat, with the Fano militia and the Ethiopian army engaging in heavy fighting. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded by sending military reinforcements from Addis Ababa to the Shahidi province via warplanes. These reinforcements moved towards the Koket area, launching an attack on the Fano militia with infantry and artillery. The Ethiopian government has accused citizens of Koket and Matamma of siding with the Amhara Fano.

After suffering a defeat, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attempted to regain control by dispatching additional military reinforcements from Addis Ababa to the Shahidi province via warplanes. These reinforcements advanced towards the Koket area, launching an assault on the Amhara Fano with infantry and artillery. However, despite these efforts, the Ethiopian government continues to accuse the citizens of Koket and Matamma of siding with the Amhara Fano, further complicating the conflict.

The Amhara Fano, who have taken control of the Ethiopian Matamma Yohannes area bordering Sudan, aim to disrupt food and fuel supplies from Sudan to the Amhara region to strengthen their military hold. Several Ethiopian residents and traders in Matamma have reportedly shown solidarity with Fano, aiding in securing the border area and controlling commercial activities. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian army remains stationed in the Shahidi district.

In a statement, the Amhara Fano leaders emphasized their operation’s “meticulous precision” in maintaining stability and protecting civilians during the conflict. They acknowledged Sudan’s decision to close the Galabat border crossing and assured the Sudanese authorities and the international community of their commitment to ensuring security along the border.

Amhara Fano leaders reiterated that their primary goal is to preserve peace and stability in the region. They expressed readiness to cooperate with Sudanese authorities to address any concerns and protect civilians, particularly those in refugee camps. The militia reaffirmed its dedication to upholding international laws, ensuring the safety and dignity of Sudanese refugees in Matamma.

The Amhara Fano’s also vowed to facilitate the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to refugees and urged the international community to recognize their commitment to peace and stability while safeguarding the rights and needs of all individuals in the border area.

EAR- Editorial Note

This breaking news story is sourced from: https://sudantribune.net/article290325/