Tragic Toll of Airstrike in Sudan: 54 Fatalities Reported

A military airstrike in Sudan killed at least 54 people, primarily women, during an attack on a local market in Tora. The Sudanese military denied targeting civilians, while aid groups condemned the strike as a humanitarian crime. This incident is part of an ongoing conflict that has caused extensive casualties and suffering across the nation since April 2023.

On Tuesday, aid organizations in Sudan reported that a military airstrike on a local market resulted in the death of at least 54 individuals in the western region of the country. The airstrike on a village named Tora, which occurred on Monday, ignited a significant fire, as noted by Adam Rejal, a representative from the General Coordination, a group dedicated to assisting displaced people in Darfur.

Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, spokesperson for the Sudanese military, countered that civilians were not targeted, describing the allegations as both “incorrect” and a routine reaction to military actions against hostile targets. The bombing severely impacted Tora’s weekly market, located approximately 80 kilometers north of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur Province.

Local group Support Darfur Victims shared harrowing video footage depicting destruction, including burned buildings and charred remains. According to casualty reports compiled by Rejal, more than half of the deceased were women, and there were at least 23 injuries and seven missing individuals. Rejal condemned the airstrike as “a crime against humanity” and a violation of international law.

This airstrike is part of a broader conflict that began in April 2023, when tensions between the military and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into widespread violence. This ongoing war has devastated urban areas, resulting in over 28,000 deaths, massive displacement, and severe food shortages, with families reportedly resorting to eating grass.

Estimates suggest the death toll may be even higher, and the conflict has seen numerous atrocities, including mass rapes and ethnically motivated killings classified as war crimes by both the UN and international human rights organizations. The military has achieved notable territorial gains in recent months, regaining control of several key locations in Khartoum, including government buildings.

Compounding these tragic events are recent political developments affecting the justice system in Japan and military governance in Indonesia, demonstrating global concerns over governance and human rights. In particular, Indonesia’s parliament approved a law expanding military involvement in civil affairs, triggering criticism reminiscent of the Suharto era.

The recent airstrike in Sudan illustrates the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict, resulting in significant loss of life and violation of international laws. The military’s assertion of civilian safety contrasts sharply with eyewitness accounts and independent reports, highlighting the complexity of the situation. As the war continues, with escalating violence and a growing death toll, the international community faces urgent calls for intervention and accountability in the region.

Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com