More than 20 civilians were killed by armed men in Ethiopia's Oromia region on Sunday, two local civil servants told AFP on Wednesday.

Oromia, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, has seen clashes since 2018 between federal forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) – designated a "terrorist organisation" by authorities – and peace talks have made no progress.

The traditional "self-defence" Fano militia of the Amhara ethnic group – which mostly operates in the nearby Amhara region – have also been carrying out attacks in Oromia.

One local civil servant, who asked for anonymity, told AFP that Fano members had "attacked civilians ... with swords and guns" in the Nono district, roughly 110 kilometres southwest of Addis Ababa.

Situation 'worsens'

"Twenty-five people, including women and children, were killed by terrorists," they said, adding that four more people died later in hospital.

Another local civil servant, who also requested anonymity, said there were "22 people killed by Fano terrorists", but did not provide further details.

Fano terrorists had been active in the region for four years, regional security official Temesgen Kasa told AFP, "taking advantage of opportune moments to launch attacks against civilians."

"The situation has worsened in recent years," said Temesgen, who comes from neighbouring Central region.

'Devastating consequences for civilians'

The region has long been riven by conflict but the Red Cross said in July that the current clashes were having "devastating consequences" for civilians, particularly in remote areas.