In what could spark political violence in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopian Army Chief of Staff was on Saturday shot dead reportedly by his bodyguard.
The bizarre incident comes at the time Ethiopia is playing an integral role in degrading Al-Shabaab militants in the neighbouring Somalia, a move that has seen her army work closely with Kenya Defense Forces.
The spokeswoman Billene Seyoum told journalists a "hit squad" led by Amhara's security chief Asaminew Tsige burst into a meeting on Saturday afternoon, injuring regional president Ambachew Mekonnen and another top official who both died of their wounds.
Later that evening in what appeared a "co-ordinated attack", army chief Seare Mekonnen, and a retired general who was visiting him, were killed by his bodyguard, said Billene.
A statement from the prime minister's office added: "The coup attempt in Amhara regional state is against the constitution and is intended to scupper the hard-won peace of the region.
"This illegal attempt should be condemned by all Ethiopians and the federal government has full capacity to overpower this armed group."
Residents in Amhara's regional capital, Bahir Dar, have reported hearing heavy gunfire.
The ruling party in Amhara has accused a former security chief, who was released from jail after Mr Abiy, the PM came to power, of being behind the violence.
Kenya has been coordinating with Ethiopian troops both in Puntland, Somaliland and Jubbaland to contain the Al-Shabaab. The latest tragedy is a big setback for KDF with sources reporting divisions within Ethiopian Army.
Ethiopia has the highest number of troops followed by Uganda in AMISOM. The number is estimated at 6,000. Al-Shabaab militants have increased their attacks on Kenya with the lastest coming on Friday at Yuumbis in Garissa.