Breaking News: 120 Civilians Killed by Drone Strike in Eastern Gojjam, Amhara Region

Source: Amhara Fano Gojjam | Reporter: Estibel Alemu Zerihun

Gedeb Town, Enarij Enawega District, Eastern Gojjam – April 18, 2025

A photo of Zemen Kassi Amhara Fano Gojjam Chair Man

In a devastating incident reported by Amhara Fano Gojjam, a drone strike carried out by government forces under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has claimed the lives of 120 innocent civilians in the Gedeb area of Eastern Gojjam, Amhara Region. The strike occurred during the holiest week of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar—Himamat Week—when followers are engaged in continuous prayers in preparation for Easter Sunday, which falls this coming weekend.

The victims, according to eyewitnesses and local sources, were devout Christians on their way to church for full-day prayers. Families, elders, women, and children were among those struck during this religious pilgrimage. Amhara Fano Gojjam, a community defense and advocacy group, condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of peaceful civilians during a sacred time.

“This was not a military operation—it was a massacre of people who were holding candles and Bibles, not weapons,” said Estibel Alemu Zerihun, a local reporter and spokesperson for Amhara Fano Gojjam.

The strike has sent shockwaves across the Amhara region, further intensifying the humanitarian and political crisis. Community members are mourning the loss and calling for international attention and accountability for what they describe as a war crime committed by Abiy Ahmed’s forces.

More details are emerging, and the number of casualties may rise as families continue searching for missing loved ones amid the rubble.

This attack comes amid escalating violence in the Amhara region, where government forces and regional defense groups like Fano have clashed repeatedly in recent months.

End of Report

For more updates, follow Amhara Fano Gojjam on official channels and continue to pray for the victims and their families.