ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia 

At least four elders were reportedly executed by Fano armed groups in northern Ethiopia, according to local media reports on Wednesday.

The Amhara regional office stated that the civilians were killed "on suspicion of being members of the recently established regional peace council," the report by Addis Standard said.

The Amhara regional government identified the four victims but suggested that the number of casualties could be higher. Some reports claim that up to 11 people may have been killed, but this figure has yet to be officially confirmed.

Thirteen other local elders, captured alongside those killed, remain in the custody of the Fano armed groups and are reportedly enduring “inhumane punishment and torture,” according to the statement.

The victims, including religious leaders and women, were apprehended while traveling from the regional capital, Bahir Dar, to their village, Gerchicha, where the armed group is highly active.

The statement did not provide specific details regarding the timing, location, or circumstances of the killings, nor any information on efforts to secure the release of those still held captive.

Following the formation of the regional peace council last month, several local peace committees have been established to negotiate between the government and the Fano armed groups.

Footage widely circulated on social media showed the elders being forced to crawl on their knees, with captions suggesting they were members of the peace council.

The regional peace council, created to facilitate negotiations between government forces and the Fano militia, was established after a peace conference in Bahir Dar from June 24 to 25, 2024.

The Fano militia, primarily active in the northern Amhara region, is facing significant challenges, particularly following the surrender of one of its most influential leaders, Assegid Mekonnen.