The guardian reported that Ethiopian soldiers have been accused of killing over 70 civilians and looting properties in Majete, a rural town in the Amhara region, following heavy fighting with the Fano militia. Witnesses reported that the killings began after federal troops occupied the town on September 3. The victims, described as unarmed farmers, were allegedly executed during house-to-house searches.

Yesaynesh, a 29-year-old woman, recounted how her two brothers were shot after soldiers found no weapons in their home. Alem, a mother of three, described the looting of livestock and the killing of her elderly uncle. Other residents shared similar accounts of violence and theft by federal soldiers, who accused villagers of supporting the Fano militia.

The conflict reignited last month after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to dismantle regional paramilitary forces, leading to the Fano militia’s refusal to disarm. The government declared a nationwide state of emergency on August 4, with subsequent reports of airstrikes and civilian casualties across Amhara.

Amnesty International and the UN have called for independent investigations into the alleged human rights violations. The EU and the US have also expressed concern over the ongoing violence and abuses in the region. The Ethiopian prime minister’s office has yet to comment on these allegations.Read more about Majete killings: Ethiopian troops accused of mass killings of civilians in Amhara region