An airstrike by Sudan’s military on a crowded Darfur market resulted in at least 54 deaths and many injuries, with local groups suggesting it may constitute a war crime. This incident highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing civil war, now nearing two years.
An airstrike conducted by Sudan’s military targeted a busy market in the western region of Darfur, resulting in at least 54 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local monitoring organizations. This tragedy, described as a probable war crime, highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing civil war that has persisted for nearly two years in Sudan.
The bombing occurred shortly after the Sudanese military successfully seized the presidential palace in the capital, Khartoum, and has been attempting to expel the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces from the city. The incident in Darfur serves as a stark reminder of the extensive suffering endured during this protracted conflict, the worst in Africa at this time.
Videos and photographs emerging from the scene in Toura, North Darfur, depicted a harrowing aftermath, with numerous charred bodies and human remains scattered across the market area. The Sudan Witness Project geolocated these materials, and satellite imagery confirmed significant fire damage over an area of approximately 10,000 square meters attributed to the bombing on that day.
The total death toll remains uncertain, with various reports indicating differing figures. One Sudanese monitoring group confirmed that dozens of individuals were killed, while international advocacy group Avaaz, referencing local sources, suggested that the death count may exceed 200. A handwritten casualty list shared by activists in Darfur recorded 54 individual names of the deceased.
The bombing in Darfur exemplifies the severe consequences of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, raising alarms about potential war crimes committed against civilians. Despite the military’s recent advances in Khartoum, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, as highlighted by this tragic event with varying casualty reports. The international community must remain vigilant and responsive to these developing atrocities in the region.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
