Air Strike in Darfur Market Results in Over 100 Civilian Deaths

Sudan’s military has been accused of a deadly air strike on a market in Kabkabiya, Darfur, killing over 100 civilians. The attack highlights the rising violence between the military and the RSF, causing massive displacements and humanitarian crises. Rights groups warn of ongoing war crimes and call for international intervention to protect affected populations.

The military of Sudan has been accused of executing an air strike on a marketplace in Darfur’s Kabkabiya, purportedly resulting in the deaths of over 100 individuals. The Emergency Lawyers rights group labeled the incident, which occurred on the weekly market day, as a “horrific massacre.” In recent weeks, clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified, with both factions denying allegations of committing war crimes amid a protracted conflict that has created a severe humanitarian crisis in the country, displacing more than 11 million people.

The attack coincided with market day in Kabkabiya, located approximately 180 kilometers west of el-Fasher, which remains the only city in Darfur under military control and has endured a siege since April. Emergency Lawyers characterized the strike as a blatant breach of international law, indicating that hundreds more suffered injuries during the bombardment. Additionally, the rights group condemned the RSF for indiscriminately shelling the city of Omdurman, which recently claimed the lives of 14 individuals when a shell struck a bus. The military, operating fighter jets, has rebuffed claims of intentionally targeting civilians.

In another instance, an air strike on a petrol station in an RSF-controlled region of Khartoum resulted in at least 28 fatalities, highlighting the dire nature of the conflict. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United Nations and African Union to intervene urgently to protect civilians, citing numerous instances of civilian casualties attributed to the RSF and allied militias in ongoing violent campaigns, particularly in South Kordofan state. US special envoy Tom Perriello reported estimates suggesting that the conflict may have claimed up to 150,000 lives.

The conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly, particularly in the western region of Darfur, where intense fighting has erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This ongoing struggle has led to widespread displacement and severe humanitarian crises across the country. Incidents of indiscriminate violence against civilians have become increasingly common, drawing international concern and condemnation from various human rights organizations. The situation has been exacerbated by the use of air strikes and heavy artillery in civilian areas during clashes, with reports of mass casualties and injuries stemming from recent assaults in urban market spaces.

In summary, the recent air strike in Kabkabiya, Darfur, has drawn grave concerns over the escalating violence in Sudan as both the military and RSF engage in hostilities that threaten the lives of civilians. These acts have been met with international condemnation, highlighting violations of international law and calls for urgent protective measures for vulnerable populations. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for intervention by global entities becomes increasingly critical to safeguard the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire of this protracted conflict.

Original Source: www.bbc.com