Ethiopian federal regime forces withdrew from 18 towns and 13 woredas across South Gonder Zone in the Amhara Region between February 7 and February 9, 2026, allowing Fano rebels to regain control of strategic areas including Ibnat, Hamusit, Meqetewa, Ajja, Aysa, Arb-Gebeya, Wegeda, and Welela-Bahir towns, according to a report by ThomasVLinge on X posted during the 59-minute reporting window ending at 5:15 PM UTC. Key woredas affected include Ibnat, Mena-Meqetewa, Andabet, Simada, Sede-Muja, and Tach-Gayint. Fano forces moved into the vacated areas previously hosting major regime military camps, marking one of the largest territorial withdrawals in South Gonder since the escalation of fighting, as detailed in the ThomasVLinge update. This development follows the Guna Division under Afabn Maj. Gen. Wubante Abate Core taking complete control of Wegeda town in Simada Woreda after a battle from 8:20 AM to 4:00 PM earlier on February 9, per previous Geteriew1 reporting. In Baidoa, Somalia, heavy security forces deployed along all access routes to the Presidential Palace and Parliament entrances during the reporting window, imposing a complete vehicle ban and checkpoints with photographs and names of specific Members of Parliament barred from passing, according to BaidoaOnline on X. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the restrictions amid heightened political tension. Residents of Abu Sera near Bishoftu, Ethiopia, alleged uncompensated displacement from the Abu Lugna area for the Bishoftu International Airport project, claiming no replacement housing was provided despite promises, as reported by Addis Standard. The Bishoftu City Administration denied receiving such complaints.
