An airstrike by Sudan’s military on a crowded market in Darfur killed at least 54 people and injured many more, with local monitoring groups labeling it a likely war crime. The incident emphasizes the devastating effects of the ongoing civil war as the military aims to eliminate the paramilitary forces in Khartoum. Casualty estimates vary significantly, raising concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
An airstrike conducted by Sudan’s military targeted a bustling market in Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 54 individuals and injuring numerous others. Local monitoring groups have denounced the bombing as a probable war crime, underscoring the extensive human cost associated with the ongoing two-year civil conflict, which is currently the largest in Africa.
The attack transpired as Sudan’s military continued its offensive in the capital, Khartoum, having recently secured control of the presidential palace. The military’s objective is to eliminate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces from the city entirely, intensifying the conflict on multiple fronts.
Disturbing imagery and video footage from the airstrike’s aftermath in Toura, a town in North Darfur, depicted the horrifying impact of the assault, with charred remains scattered throughout the market area. Geolocation analysis by the Sudan Witness Project confirmed these visuals originated from Toura, while NASA satellite data corroborated that approximately 10,000 square meters had been engulfed in flames during the strike.
The exact casualty figures remain uncertain, with some sources reporting several dozen deaths, whereas others, including the American advocacy group Avaaz, suggest the toll may exceed 200 fatalities. Activists in Darfur provided a list of 54 names of the deceased, highlighting the tragedy’s profound impact on the local community.
This tragic incident in Darfur highlights the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has persisted for nearly two years. The military’s bombardment of a crowded market raises significant concerns regarding the legality and morality of such attacks, particularly when classified as potential war crimes. As the conflict escalates, both international monitoring efforts and comprehensive humanitarian responses are essential to address the dire situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
