Allegations of attacks on civilian infrastructure have emerged from Ethiopia's North Shewa area as fighting continues between federal forces and Fano-affiliated armed groups.

The Amhara Capacity Building Institute claimed that the Ethiopian National Defence Forces carried out drone strikes and heavy weapons attacks affecting Fura Kebele in Berehet and Sichat Kebele in Hagere Mariam.

According to information attributed to Fano's Shewa Command, the reported incidents killed four civilians and injured at least 15 others.

A three-year-old girl was among those said to have been killed.

The allegations have not yet been supported by an independent investigation establishing the precise circumstances and military responsibility.

Ethiopian Forces Accused of Striking Civilian Infrastructure

The statement alleged that government military operations affected homes and other civilian locations in the two settlements.

ACBI claimed that drones and heavy weapons were used during the attacks.

However, the organisation did not release detailed targeting information identifying the weapons, military units or intended objectives.

Independent evidence is still needed to determine whether civilian structures were deliberately targeted or damaged during attacks on other locations.

Drone Attack Allegations Raise Concerns for Farmers

A particularly significant aspect of the statement concerns agricultural communities during the harvest period.

ACBI alleged that farmers gathering crops were among the civilians affected by Ethiopian military attacks.

For rural households dependent on seasonal agriculture, the consequences of insecurity can extend beyond injuries and physical destruction.

Restricted access to farmland may prevent harvesting, reduce household income and disrupt local food supplies.

The scale of any agricultural damage resulting from the latest reported incidents has not been established.

Schools Named Among Alleged Targets

The organisation also claimed that schools were affected by the reported strikes.

It did not identify the individual facilities or specify whether children and teachers were present at the time.

The allegations come against a background of prolonged disruption to education in Amhara, where armed conflict has affected school attendance and access to public services.

Any confirmed military attack on protected educational facilities would require investigation under international humanitarian law.

Berehet Has Faced Earlier Allegations of Government Drone Strikes

The Berehet district has previously appeared in reports concerning civilian casualties from drone warfare.

In October 2023, the Amhara Association of America claimed that two drone attacks attributed to Ethiopian government forces had killed at least 35 civilians and injured another 27 in the district.

Those allegations concerned separate incidents three years earlier.

They do not verify the latest reported strikes or contribute to the current casualty count, but illustrate the area's longstanding exposure to military violence and competing claims about responsibility.

Civilian Harm in Amhara Has Been Documented

Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses during the conflict involving Ethiopian federal forces and Fano fighters.

Previous investigations identified unlawful attacks affecting civilians and essential services, including incidents linked to government military operations.

The organisation also reported violations committed by armed opposition groups, highlighting the need for accountability across the conflict.

Recent fighting in North Shewa has further raised concerns about civilian safety.

Photographs of Injured Individuals Circulate Online

ACBI's social media statement included images of people reported to have been wounded.

The photographs depict visible injuries and medical bandaging.

Nevertheless, the images have not been independently authenticated or geolocated to Fura or Sichat.

They should therefore not be treated as conclusive evidence of the attack location, date or the identity of the forces responsible.

Independent Inquiry Needed Into Reported Ethiopian Army Strikes

The allegations have renewed calls for scrutiny of Ethiopian military operations in populated areas.

Confirming responsibility will require original video and photographic material, witness interviews and medical documentation.

The protection of civilians, schools and agricultural communities is an essential requirement under international humanitarian law.

For residents of North Shewa, the immediate concern remains the safety of households trying to continue everyday life amid prolonged conflict.