Military Airstrike in Sudan: Tragic Loss of Life Amid Ongoing Conflict
An airstrike in Sudan’s Tora village killed at least 54 people, primarily women, according to local aid groups. The Sudanese military denied targeting civilians, while humanitarian concerns escalate amidst ongoing conflict and significant casualties since April 2023.
On Tuesday, aid organizations reported that a military airstrike in Sudan’s western region resulted in the deaths of at least 54 individuals, primarily targeting a local market in the village of Tora. Adam Rejal, a spokesman for the General Coordination, a local group aiding displaced persons in Darfur, stated the attack ignited a significant fire in the area.
Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, spokesperson for the Sudanese military, asserted that civilians were not the intended targets, labeling the accusations as “incorrect” and asserting the military’s constitutional rights to engage hostile entities.
The Tora market strike, approximately 80 kilometers north of el-Fasher, the North Darfur capital, destroyed substantial portions of the weekly market. The casualty report indicated that over half of the deceased were women, with at least 23 wounded and seven missing.
Rejal condemned the assault, describing it as “a crime against humanity” and emphasizing that it violates international humanitarian laws and conventions. This airstrike marks a continuation of violence in a conflict that began in April 2023, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
The ongoing war has resulted in over 28,000 deaths, displacing millions and forcing families into extreme poverty as they struggle to find food. Reports suggest a much higher death toll due to the pervasive conflict characterized by atrocities, including ethnically motivated killings and mass rape in Darfur, as cited by the United Nations and human rights organizations.
Despite experiencing consistent attacks from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese military has strategically made gains in recent months, regaining significant control over key government structures in the capital, including the Republican Palace, thus consolidating its power amidst the ongoing conflict.
The airstrike in Tora, Sudan, which resulted in numerous casualties, underscores the grave humanitarian crisis and violations of international law in the ongoing conflict. As violence escalates and humanitarian needs grow, the situation remains dire for many, particularly in the Darfur region, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention. The military’s claim of targeting only hostile forces, juxtaposed with the tragic loss of civilian lives, signifies the complex and violent nature of this enduring conflict, necessitating continued vigilance and advocacy to prevent further atrocities.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
