A military aircraft crashed in Sudan’s residential area during takeoff, killing 46 and injuring 10. Witnesses described loud explosions and significant damage to homes. The incident follows an escalation in the conflict between the army and the RSF, with reported casualties rising in a conflict that has deeply affected civilians.
A tragic incident occurred in Sudan as a military aircraft crashed in a residential area during takeoff, resulting in the loss of 46 lives and injuries to 10 others, including civilians and military personnel. According to the Khartoum regional government’s media office, the final casualty count was confirmed after initial reports by the army-aligned health ministry indicated at least 19 fatalities. Witnesses reported a loud explosion, and several homes suffered damage, leading to power outages in nearby neighborhoods. Emergency teams quickly transported injured civilians, including children, to local hospitals.
The crash is believed to stem from a technical malfunction, as stated by a military source who requested anonymity. Notably, this incident occurred shortly after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed responsibility for shooting down a Russian-made Ilyushin aircraft over Nyala, South Darfur, asserting that the aircraft was compromised with its crew onboard. This escalation comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has seen significant developments in recent weeks, including advances by the army in central Sudan and Khartoum, all tied to the power struggle between military leaders.
Since April 2023, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamadan Daglo have been engaged in a deadly conflict marked by a deepening power struggle. Following a rift concerning the future governmental structure, this war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history according to the United Nations. The turmoil has caused widespread devastation in Khartoum and other major cities, with displacements exceeding 12 million people, resulting in hunger and crippling vital infrastructure.
In summary, the plane crash in Sudan represents a devastating consequence of the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, highlighting the disastrous humanitarian impact resulting from the power struggle between military leaders. As the country grapples with these crises, the need for effective humanitarian relief and resolution of the conflict is paramount.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
