28 killed in a drone strike on a market in Sudan’s West Kordofan, rights group says
CAIRO — Tragedy struck the heart of Sudan as a drone strike in a bustling market claimed the lives of 28 individuals and left many others injured, according to a local rights group. This devastating incident is just a glimpse into the ongoing war that has ravaged Sudan since 2023.
The Emergency Lawyers, a local rights group dedicated to documenting violations during the conflict, reported that the market in Ghubaysh, located in West Kordofan province, was targeted during a crowded morning, resulting in a tragic loss of civilian lives. The group attributed the strike to the army.
The escalating tensions between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted into a full-scale war in April 2023. With the RSF in control of West Kordofan, the region has become a battleground for power.
While the army denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure, conflicting reports from military sources paint a different picture. According to an official, an army drone allegedly struck RSF combat vehicles near the market, resulting in the destruction of the vehicles and the loss of lives inside. The RSF has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
The market in Ghubaysh serves as a lifeline for thousands in West Kordofan and neighboring areas, providing essential supplies and sustenance, as highlighted by the Emergency Lawyers.
The conflict in Sudan has taken a heavy toll, with at least 59,000 lives lost, millions displaced, and widespread famine plaguing the nation. The dire situation has left over 30 million people in need of urgent humanitarian aid.
Drone warfare has emerged as a deadly threat to civilians in war-torn Sudan, with both military factions receiving support from various international actors. United Nations officials have called for measures to prevent the transfer of drones to Sudan, citing the alarming number of civilian casualties.
The proliferation of advanced drones has fueled the conflict, enabling both sides to escalate attacks on densely populated areas. The consequences are catastrophic, raising concerns of a widening proxy war and further destabilization in the region.
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Yassir Abdalla in Shendi, Sudan.
