The death toll in South Kordofan following recent bombings has risen to 70, primarily affecting women and children. The HUDO Centre attributes these casualties to a bombing by SPLM-N in response to an SAF attack, with significant health service failures contributing to the tragedy. Instances of military aggression and subsequent civilian casualties highlight the critical humanitarian crisis in Kadugli.
The Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO Centre) has reported a significant increase in the death toll from recent bombings in South Kordofan, now totaling 70, primarily among women and girls. On February 3, following an attack by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) under Abdelaziz El Hilu allegedly bombarded Kadugli, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. HUDO has called for accountability and condemned the actions leading to civilian deaths.
Earlier reports indicated at least 44 individuals were killed and 28 injured due to artillery fire in the region, with the SPLM-N vehemently denying the claims and blaming SAF for military aggression. HUDO Centre has highlighted the catastrophic collapse of health services in Kadugli, exacerbating the tragedy, as many injured individuals did not receive necessary medical attention due to a lack of resources.
In the early morning of February 3, SAF attacked SPLM-N positions, leading to a counter-attack by SPLM-N. During the aftermath, a bomb struck a group of civilians near Kadugli church, inflicting immediate casualties. Subsequent bombings in surrounding areas resulted in further injuries and fatalities, amid an already strained health care system. By February 4, the number of reported deaths had risen to 54.
HUDO indicated that the total number of fatalities now stands at 70, with a majority being females, including many minors. The continuing siege of Kadugli has severely affected the population’s ability to access essential medical services, with chronic closure of facilities like the dialysis unit leading to preventable fatalities. The situation remains dire as the population struggles with limited medical and logistical resources amid ongoing conflict.
In summary, the ongoing violence in South Kordofan has led to severe civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, as highlighted by HUDO Centre’s alarming reports. The breakdown of health services has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in avoidable deaths due to lack of medical care. The conflict continues to pose serious challenges for the affected population, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and accountability for those responsible for the attacks.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
