At least 44 civilians were killed, and 28 were injured in an attack by SPLM-N forces on Kadugli, South Kordofan. The assault, which involved shelling, targeted civilians, including an imam. The Sudanese army responded, claiming to have inflicted heavy losses on the rebels. The incident highlights a deteriorating humanitarian situation amidst ongoing national conflicts.
In a devastating attack by a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, at least 44 civilians lost their lives and 28 others were injured in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state. This incident, which took place on a Monday morning, involved the use of artillery fire against civilians, tragically resulting in fatalities that included women and children, as well as Imam Nizar Mohamed Tom, a well-respected local preacher.
The government of Sudan condemned the assault, with Governor Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel Karim labeling it a “brutal aggression against civilians.” In response, the Sudanese army claimed to have effectively retaliated, inflicting significant casualties on the rebel forces and reclaiming control of the situation. Military spokesperson Faisal Mukhtar reported that the armed forces had secured Kadugli and engaged the rebels directly, achieving a tactical advantage.
This recent surge in violence occurs amid ongoing conflicts throughout Sudan, particularly between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The United Nations and Sudanese officials report that the overall conflict has led to over 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 14 million individuals. Some academic research suggests the death toll could be as high as 130,000, indicating the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country.
International organizations have raised alarms regarding a looming humanitarian catastrophe as hostilities have expanded across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states. Millions face the threat of starvation due to severe food shortages compounded by ongoing fighting. This disturbing situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the intensifying conflicts in the region.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly since 2011, primarily due to the SPLM-N’s demand for greater autonomy in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. The SPLM-N has engaged in persistent clashes with the Sudanese military, leading to widespread violence and distress among the civilian population. The current attack in Kadugli reflects ongoing tensions and the deteriorating security situation in the region, highlighting the fragile state of peace and humanitarian conditions in Sudan amid broader national conflicts, including those against RSF forces.
This recent attack in South Kordofan by SPLM-N forces illustrates the continued volatility in Sudan, where both inter-rebel conflicts and broader national struggles contribute to a humanitarian crisis. The loss of innocent lives, including children and community leaders, emphasizes the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention. As violence escalates and the death toll rises, international concern grows regarding the potential for a catastrophic outcome for millions affected by the conflict.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
