A Sudanese military transport plane crashed into a residential area near Wadi Seidna air base, causing 46 fatalities and injuring 10 individuals. The aircraft, reportedly heading to Port Sudan, may have suffered a technical malfunction. Eyewitnesses reported an explosion and ensuing smoke, with nearby residents experiencing power outages. This incident occurs amid ongoing civil conflict in Sudan between the military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A tragic incident occurred when a Sudanese military transport aircraft crashed into a residential area near the Wadi Seidna air base, resulting in the deaths of 46 individuals, as reported by the news agency AFP. This base is recognized as one of the largest military facilities situated in Omdurman, northwest of the capital, Khartoum. Reports indicate that the aircraft was en route to Port Sudan, the military-backed government’s headquarters, although the military has not confirmed if it was carrying high-ranking officials.
According to the Khartoum regional government’s media office, the final casualty count reached 46 fatalities, with an additional 10 people injured. The army-associated health ministry reported that emergency services promptly transported injured civilians, including children, to a nearby medical facility. A military official, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that a technical malfunction might have led to the aircraft’s crash.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that residents heard a significant explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the crash site, causing visible damage to several homes. The incident also resulted in power outages throughout the neighborhood.
The backdrop of this tragedy unfolds within the context of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted due to escalating tensions between the military and the opposing paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These hostilities intensified into full-blown conflict in 2023, with the RSF claiming responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala city one day prior to this crash.
The ongoing fighting has severely impacted urban areas and has been marred by allegations of egregious human rights violations, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings. The United Nations has characterized these actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in the western Darfur region. In the recent weeks, the military has documented notable advancements over the RSF in Khartoum and surrounding regions.
In conclusion, the crash of the Sudanese military aircraft has resulted in significant loss of life and raises questions about the safety protocols within the military’s aviation operations. Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan between the military and RSF, the humanitarian implications of such incidents are dire. The need for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones remains critical as the country grapples with the consequences of relentless violence.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
