We can do all the analysis, but there is no set pattern to this - it's random, and that's one of the hardest things for any security team to try and pick up.'

At least nine people were killed and more than 30 others were injured in fresh fighting that erupted in Debark and Dabat towns of the North Gondar zone in Ethiopia's Amhara region between government forces and the Fano militias, witnesses and medical sources told VOA Horn of Africa Service.

A clash between the Ethiopian army and rebels in a restive northwestern region has killed at least nine people, mostly civilians, say hospital sources and a local official.