Tensions have been rising since April when the federal government announced it was dismantling regional forces across Ethiopia, triggering protests by Amhara nationalists who said the move would weaken their region. - Towns under militia control - Local fighters from Amhara's Fano militia have taken control of three towns in the region, residents told AFP. According to residents of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 12th and 13th-century rock-cut churches, Fano fighters took over the town and its airport earlier this week. "People are indoors in their homes," he said, with Fano fighters blocking routes in and out of the city. Web security firm Cloudflare told AFP they "saw (internet) traffic in Amhara drop around 18:00 UTC (GMT) on Wednesday".

Source: Ethiopian News August 06, 2023 06:12 UTC