Alleged civilian massacre reported in Ethiopia as US calls for investigation

The U.S. is calling for the alleged massacre of civilians in Ethiopia's Amhara region to be investigated amid reports that over 80 people were killed.

Massinga said in a statement that the reported killings of civilians in Merawi followed "disturbing reports of other violations" in Amhara and elsewhere in Ethiopia, which is gripped by several internal conflicts.

A rebellion broke out in Amhara last April when the government moved to dissolve regional forces and absorb them into the federal army. A militia group known as the Fano launched a surprise assault in August in which they captured towns across Amhara over several days before retreating to the countryside.