The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expanded its humanitarian operations in Ethiopia’s Amhara region as fighting between government forces and the Amhara Fano armed group continues to cause widespread suffering. The organization has delivered emergency medical aid, facilitated evacuations of the wounded, and conducted visits to detainees in the conflict-affected areas.
Armed clashes have intensified in North Wollo Zone since late September 2025, resulting in heavy casualties and severe humanitarian challenges. In response, the ICRC deployed two emergency teams to Lalibela and Woldiya over the past week to provide assistance to six medical facilities. The aid included surgical materials sufficient to treat around 250 critically injured individuals.
On October 8, ICRC teams evacuated 16 severely wounded persons who required urgent medical treatment. These individuals were handed over by Amhara Fano representatives to the ICRC and subsequently transferred to Woldiya town, where they were received by government forces. The following day, ICRC staff also visited detainees held by Amhara Fano in North Wollo to assess their conditions and reestablish family contact.
“Many people have been killed or injured in North Wollo in recent days,” said Martin Thalmann, ICRC team leader in Lalibela. “Local health workers have been struggling to care for both civilians and soldiers with very limited resources. For several of the injured, immediate evacuation was the only chance to save their lives.”
Health centers in Kulmesk and Muja have also received emergency medical supplies, with additional support planned in the coming days due to severe shortages of medicines and surgical equipment. The ICRC further provided essential medical aid to hospitals in Woldiya, Kobo, and Tekulashe, and plans to extend similar assistance to Lalibela Hospital.
According to Thalmann, the situation for civilians in the most affected communities remains dire. “Many people have been forced to flee their homes. Access to health care, education, and transport is extremely limited, and insecurity has disrupted farming and local markets,” he noted.
The ICRC emphasized that all parties involved in the conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law, which protects civilians, detainees, and the wounded. As part of its neutral and independent mandate, the organization reaffirmed its readiness to act as a humanitarian intermediary for future detainee releases or similar cross-line operations.
The ICRC will continue its emergency response in North Wollo and other affected areas of Amhara, including plans to provide physical rehabilitation support for those recovering from severe injuries.
Editor’s Note: This article is an independently written summary and reformulation based on publicly available updates and official statements from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regarding its humanitarian operations in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
