Amhara Region has experienced a conflict between government forces and the Amhara Fano armed group since August 2023. The situation in the eastern part of Amhara deteriorated further at the end of September, when a sudden escalation of hostilities in the North Wollo zone led to large numbers of casualties, captured fighters and other severe humanitarian consequences.

In response, the ICRC rapidly deployed two teams in and around Lalibela and Woldiya towns over the past six days to deliver medicines and supplies to six health facilities, including enough surgical material to treat 250 severely wounded people. On 8 October, the ICRC evacuated 16 critically injured people in urgent need of medical care. The soldiers were handed to the ICRC by the Amhara Fano across the front line and taken to Woldiya town, where they were transferred to government forces. On 9 October, staff also visited detainees held by Amhara Fano in North Wollo. (ICRC)