At least 44 civilians were killed, and 28 wounded in an SPLM-N attack in Kadugli, South Kordofan. Governor Karim condemned the assault as brutal aggression, while the Sudanese army claimed to have regained control and inflicted losses on the rebels. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with significant casualties and millions displaced since April 2023.
At least 44 civilians have been reported killed and 28 injured due to an attack by a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, as announced by Sudanese authorities on Monday. Reports indicate that the SPLM-N shelled Kadugli with artillery, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including women and children, as well as the death of Imam Nizar Mohamed Tom, a local preacher.
Governor of South Kordofan, Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel Karim, condemned the attack, labeling it as “a brutal aggression against civilians.” He mentioned that the Sudanese army responded decisively, inflicting considerable losses on the SPLM-N rebels regarding personnel, vehicles, and equipment, alongside the seizure of weapons and ammunition.
Military Commander Faisal Mukhtar of the 14th Infantry Division asserted that the armed forces regained control over Kadugli. This incident is part of a broader escalation in violence, as the Sudanese army combats the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in other parts of the country amid ongoing conflicts that began in April 2023, resulting in over 20,000 deaths and displacing nearly 14 million people.
UN estimates highlight the dire humanitarian situation, with millions facing starvation and death due to food shortages, while research from a U.S. university suggests a death toll that could reach as high as 130,000. The SPLM-N has not yet issued a statement regarding the attack in Kadugli, indicating a tense and unresolved conflict situation in the region.
The conflict in Sudan, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions, has been ongoing since 2011, primarily between the Sudanese army and the SPLM-N. This armed group has pushed for greater autonomy and special status for these areas. The recent violence and humanitarian crises stem from the instability caused by this conflict, which has exacerbated the existing challenges faced by civilians, making conditions increasingly dire across multiple states in Sudan, with millions affected by the consequences of war and displacement.
The recent attack in Kadugli underscores the escalating violence in Sudan, with the SPLM-N targeting civilians and resulting in tragic losses. As the Sudanese government strives to regain control and mitigate the impact of ongoing conflicts, the humanitarian situation remains precarious, with millions at risk of starvation. Continued international attention and intervention are crucial to address this emerging humanitarian crisis and promote stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
