Borkena
Toronto – Ethiopian government forces have reportedly killed at least 46 civilians in Birakat town, North Mecha, Gojjam area of the Amhara region. It occurred starting Monday this week.
Some sources put the number of victims to over 50. Children, women and elderly are among the victims. Also, a priest serving in the local Ethiopian Orthodox Church identified the names of the victims.
Anchor media media – U.S. based Ethiopian News outlet – said it has received names of the 46 victims but it has not been released for unspecified reason.
Government forces reportedly went from home to home, dragged residents to the streets and shot them. Bodies were reportedly littered on the streets for several hours as government forces remained in the town.
The government forces have been accused of employing mass killings of civilians as intermediating tactics to strain the Fano support bases. Last year, there were similar incidents in Merawi and other areas of the Amhara region of Ethiopia.
What caused Birakat killings?
Defense forces deployed in the area and anti-riot forces were reportedly engaged in a fighting – an incident that is said to have left dozens of government forces dead.
According to Ethio News, local Ethiopian News sources, members of the defense forces suspected Anti-riot forces of aiding Fano forces operating in the area, and subsequently opened fire. The specific number of casualties from both sides is unspecified. A restriction of journalists and human rights organizations has been in place in the region since the government started the military operation in August 2023.
There have been several occasions when anti-riot or militia forces fighting alongside the defense force desert to Fano forces (“extremists” as the government calls them) – and with their arms.
Fano forces enjoy a massive grassroot support across the Amhara region of Ethiopia and beyond – a reality that complicated the military operation for the government.
Fano forces launched what they called “operation unity” about two weeks ago targeting over 35 defense force military camps and claimed a significant military gain. However, the government denies it. It makes counterclaims that it has reversed Fano forces operations.
__
Subscribe : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory Business Listing Toronto
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com