October 20, 2024 – In a series of devastating drone and airstrikes conducted by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Ethiopia’s Amhara region has witnessed a significant rise in civilian casualties. Between September 25 and October 16, 2024, 17 incidents were recorded, leaving over 124 people affected, with 87 fatalities. The strikes, often targeting schools, marketplaces, and homes, have resulted in widespread devastation across North Shewa, North Gojjam, Awi, and Central Gonder. These attacks have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations, raising concerns over violations of international humanitarian law and prompting urgent calls for investigations and global intervention.

Key Incidents and Casualties

AAA reports indicate a disturbing pattern of attacks on non-military targets such as schools, marketplaces, and homes. For example, a drone strike in Ayimba town on October 2 claimed 30 lives, while another attack in Shinfa (West Gonder) on October 3 resulted in 14 deaths and 16 injuries. On October 15, in Asteriyo Kebele, East Gojjam, five people, including civilians and combatants, were killed by another drone strike. Notably, a four-year-old child was among the fatalities of an October 15 strike in Feres-Bet (West Gojjam).

In total, 13 of the 17 incidents recorded by AAA involved civilian casualties, with the death toll rising rapidly due to the indiscriminate nature of these strikes.

Of the 17 incidents, 13 involved casualties. For instance, on October 2, 30 people were killed in Ayimba town after a drone strike, and on October 3, another strike in Shinfa (West Gonder) resulted in 14 deaths and 16 injuries. On October 15, a drone strike in Asteriyo Kebele, East Gojjam, led to five deaths, with one injured, some of whom were combatants​

Growing Concerns for Civilian Safety

The attacks have drawn international attention, with many advocating for investigations into potential war crimes and violations of humanitarian law. The AAA claims that civilian gatherings, including schools, were intentionally targeted. For instance, a drone attack on Dimama-Angeref Primary School on September 25 caused significant property damage

In addition to fatalities, injuries have surged, with 37 civilians reported injured over the 21-day period. Residential property damage also contributes to the growing displacement of families in affected areas, particularly in zones like North Mecha and Berehet.

Timeline of Key Strikes

The timeline below summarizes the deadliest drone and airstrikes from September 25 to October 16, 2024:

Key Incidents (September 25 – October 16, 2024):

October 2: Drone strike in Ayimba kills 30.

October 3: Strike in Shinfa results in 14 deaths, 16 injuries.

October 12: Strike on Amaret Kebele leaves 6 dead, 4 injured.

October 15: Drone strike in Feres-Bet kills a 4-year-old.

October 17: Strike on Afesa (Dangila-Zuriya) secondary school kills 7, injures 8.

October 17, 2024 – Aerial Assaults in Amhara: Civilian Casualties Surge

In the wake of intensifying war in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, over 124 casualties, including 87 fatalities, have been reported due to drone and airstrikes by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Between September 25 and October 16, 2024, the Amhara Association of America (AAA) documented 17 incidents of aerial assaults, with civilian areas being the primary targets. Key zones affected include North Shewa, North Gojjam, Awi, and Central Gonder, among others.

These airstrikes coincide with surveillance periods, where drones were initially spotted before launching attacks. This practice has raised alarms about potential surveillance abuse, which then leads to deadly strikes on civilian areas.

Escalation of Violence and International Concerns

The international community has raised alarms regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law, with drone surveillance preceding many of these attacks. On October 12, for example, a strike on Amaret Kebele (North Mecha) left six people dead, while another airstrike in Felege-Birhan on October 14 killed three people and injured five more. These incidents, particularly those targeting schools and civilian gatherings, have prompted renewed calls for independent investigations into the Ethiopian government’s military tactics.

Calls for Action

The AAA and other rights groups are advocating for international intervention to hold the Ethiopian government accountable. They call for humanitarian aid and investigations into what they consider to be war crimes. These strikes, affecting already vulnerable communities, have left a trail of destruction and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.