An airstrike by Sudan’s military on a market in Darfur resulted in at least 54 deaths and numerous injuries, with reports indicating the attack may qualify as a war crime. The bombing highlights the ongoing brutal toll of Sudan’s civil war. The military’s actions in Khartoum drive the paramilitary forces from the city, intensifying the conflict as it nears the two-year mark.
An airstrike conducted by Sudan’s military struck a crowded market in Toura, a town in North Darfur, resulting in at least 54 fatalities and numerous injuries, as reported by local monitoring groups who characterized the assault as a probable war crime. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the ongoing civil war, now nearing its two-year mark, which has wrought immense suffering across Sudan.
The bombing occurred amidst the military’s strategic advances in Khartoum, where they recently captured the presidential palace with the objective of completely ousting their rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, from the capital. The military’s actions highlight the escalating violence in the conflict, which stands as the largest war in Africa.
Graphic footage from the market attack shows many charred bodies and human remains scattered across the area. The Sudan Witness Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to documenting potential war crimes, confirmed the videos’ geolocation to Toura. Additionally, satellite imagery from NASA substantiates that approximately 10,000 square meters were affected by the fire on that day.
Although precise casualty figures remain uncertain, various sources report different tallies. One local monitoring group indicated that dozens were killed, while the international advocacy group Avaaz estimated over 200 fatalities based on input from regional sources. A list compiled by activists in Darfur identified 54 individuals who perished in the attack.
The recent airstrike in Sudan’s Darfur region has underscored the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing civil conflict. With varying reports on the death toll, the event has been condemned as a potential war crime, revealing the dire consequences of violence that has persisted for nearly two years. As the conflict continues, the impact on civilians remains devastating, reflecting the urgent need for international intervention and resolution.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
