Ethiopian officials have said that at least 22 people have been killed following clashes between special forces and a minority ethnic group in the Amhara region.
The clashes span a period of five days in Ethiopia’s northern state of Amhara.
Reuters quotes Desalegn Chane, president of the new National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) party, as saying that “On Friday a minibus travelling from Metema to Gondar was ambushed by the Kimant Committee. Everyone was killed, we are talking about 10 civilian casualties.”
He said armed men killed 10 people when they ambushed a minibus travelling to the city of Gondar in northern Amhara.
Chane added that the next day, 12 soldiers were killed when two convoys transporting Amhara special forces were also attacked.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa said in a statement that “U.S. government personnel have deferred all travel to the region due to the unrest and violence”.
Amhara region has been an area characterized by ethnic conflicts and violence.
The state of Amhara is Ethiopia’s second most populous region and home to people belonging to the Amhara ethnic group.
The national language of Amharic originates from the Amhara state.
Many people have been killed due to fighting which has also displaced millions. Conflicts are largely over land disputes.
Source: Africafeeds.com
