An airstrike by Sudan’s military on a market in Darfur has resulted in at least 54 deaths and numerous injuries. This attack, termed a likely war crime, highlights the severe toll of the ongoing civil war. As the military takes control in Khartoum, the conflict’s devastating impact on civilians is starkly illustrated by this tragic event.
On Monday, an airstrike conducted by Sudan’s military targeted a busy market in Darfur, resulting in at least 54 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local monitoring groups. This incident has been described as a probable war crime, highlighting the severe consequences of the ongoing civil war, which has persisted for nearly two years.
As the Sudanese military gains control in the capital of Khartoum—having recently seized the presidential palace—it continues its efforts to eliminate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces from the area. However, the attack in Darfur serves as a stark illustration of the conflict’s brutal impact, which has made Sudan’s civil war the largest in Africa.
Following the bombing, videos and photographs displayed the devastation in Toura, a small town in North Darfur, showing numerous charred bodies and scattered human remains. The Sudan Witness Project confirmed the location of the footage, while fire detection data from NASA satellites indicated that approximately 10,000 square meters burned during the attack.
Although reports on casualties vary, local and international groups have suggested that the death toll could exceed 200, while a handwritten list provided by activists identified 54 victims. The situation remains fluid and exact figures are still under investigation.
The airstrike in Darfur represents a tragic escalation in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, which has already resulted in significant loss of life. With the military advancing in Khartoum, the bombing underscores the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians. It is imperative that the international community responds adequately to these developments and prioritizes the protection of innocent lives.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
