Bahir Dar, Amhara regional capital, has been gripped by panic for the last 48 hours. On Thursday, Fano militias issued a warning to the residents of the Bahir Dar city.
Fano fighters warned Bahir Dar city residents to make preparations as Fano were planning a major attack in the regional capital. Transporters were told to stop the movement of vehicles.
The call by Fano paralyzed the city. Businesses remained closed on Friday and Saturday. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Dashen Bank and other banks remained closed. Intra city transport remained suspended in most parts of Bahir Dar with the last 48 hours.
On Friday, Amhara regional police chief and Amhara regional government spokesperson assured people that forces were alert and rumors were being spread by anti peace elements.
Despite assurances by the regional authorities, business and transport activity could not resume in the regional capital. In a statement released on Friday, the Ethiopian National Defense Force announced that 69 Fano fighters had been killed in an operation. The Fano fighters were allegedly trying to advance towards Bahir Dar city.
Since last year, the Ethiopian military has been conducting a military operation to disarm and disband Fano militia members in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.
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