An air strike by Sudan’s military in Kabkabiya, Darfur, killed over 100 civilians, described by rights group Emergency Lawyers as a “horrific massacre.” Amid escalating violence between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, humanitarian crises continue, with calls for international intervention to protect civilians from ongoing atrocities.
The Sudanese military has been accused of conducting an air strike on a bustling marketplace in Kabkabiya, Darfur, resulting in the death of over 100 individuals. This devastating incident, which occurred on a market day, has been characterized by the rights group Emergency Lawyers as a “horrific massacre.” In recent weeks, skirmishes have intensified in Sudan amid the ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has displaced over 11 million people and led to significant humanitarian crises across the region.
Emergency Lawyers highlighted that the bombing coincided with an influx of villagers gathering in Kabkabiya, approximately 180 kilometers west of el-Fasher, a city largely controlled by the military. They condemned the air strike as a blatant violation of international law, noting that hundreds more were injured during the attack. Furthermore, the rights group condemned the indiscriminate shelling conducted by the RSF in nearby cities, such as Omdurman, resulting in civilian casualties.
Reports indicate that civilian infrastructure is being exploited for military purposes by both the army and the RSF. A recent air strike on a fuel station in an RSF-controlled area of Khartoum reportedly killed at least 28 people. Human Rights Watch has called upon international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, to intervene and protect civilians, especially in light of documented atrocities and ethnic cleansing campaigns perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militias in Sudan.
The severity of the ongoing conflict has led experts, such as US special envoy Tom Perriello, to assert that estimates suggest up to 150,000 people may have lost their lives due to the violence and upheaval. Given the alarming situations unfolding in Sudan, there is an urgent need for international response to safeguard vulnerable populations.
The conflict in Sudan has been marked by a power struggle between the army and paramilitary forces, particularly the RSF, which has escalated into widespread violence affecting civilian populations. Since April, Darfur has witnessed a severe humanitarian crisis, with bombings targeted at marketplaces and civilian areas. Emergency Lawyers and Human Rights Watch have reported a succession of attacks on civilians, highlighting the need for accountability and protection measures from international organizations.
In summary, the recent air strike in Kabkabiya represents a tragic escalation of violence in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, directly impacting civilian lives and violating international law. With more than 100 fatalities reported, the need for protective measures to address the humanitarian crisis has become critical. As international bodies are urged to respond, the situation remains dire for millions affected by the upheaval in Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
