At least 28 civilians were killed in two separate drone strikes in Sudan amid the ongoing civil war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence marks a grim escalation as the conflict approaches its fourth year, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the country.

Drone Strikes in North Darfur
On Wednesday, a drone strike targeted a market in Saraf Omra, located in North Darfur state, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals, including an infant. The attack also left 17 others injured. Local trader Hamid Suleiman reported that the drone struck a parked oil truck, igniting a fire that spread through part of the market. The perpetrator of the strike remains unclear, as both the army and RSF have been known to conduct drone attacks in the region.

Another strike occurred on a highway in North Kordofan, approximately 500 miles east of Darfur, targeting a truck carrying civilians in an army-controlled area. A hospital source in El Rahad confirmed that six bodies were received, three of which were charred, along with 10 wounded individuals. The RSF was blamed for this attack, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous environment for civilians traveling through the area.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Since the civil war erupted in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, over 11.6 million people have been displaced from their homes, contributing to what aid organizations describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. With a population of about 51 million, Sudan faces immense challenges, including widespread famine risks. Estimates of the death toll from the conflict vary widely, with figures ranging from tens of thousands to over 400,000.

Increased Drone Attacks
The frequency of civilian casualties resulting from drone strikes has surged this year, particularly in the Kordofan region. According to the United Nations, more than 500 civilians were killed by drone strikes between January 1 and March 15. Notably, a drone strike on a hospital in East Darfur on March 20 killed 64 people and wounded 89, with reports attributing the attack to an army drone.

Wrap-up
The ongoing drone strikes in Sudan reflect the intensifying violence in a civil war that has already devastated countless lives. With the humanitarian crisis deepening, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene and address the urgent needs of the Sudanese population.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team