Drone Attack by Paramilitary Group Takes Many of Civilians at Religious Site in Sudan
A devastating aerial bombardment launched by the armed Rapid Support Forces has resulted in the loss of dozens of civilians who were worshipping inside a religious building in the besieged city of the northern stronghold, according to first responders.
Assault Strikes Neighborhood Hosting Fleeing Residents
The strike unfolded in the al-Daraja district, where several individuals from the adjacent makeshift camp had fled after recent hostilities.
“The deceased were pulled from the ruins of the mosque,” reported a local volunteer group.
Online videos allegedly depict multiple individuals buried under shattered structures.
Ongoing Conflict Rages in the Region
The armed faction has so far withheld any official statement regarding the attack. The group has been fighting in a devastating conflict with the national army since last year.
The city, which is the main city of North Darfur, stands as the final key city in Darfur still held by the national army.
Siege and Crisis Situation
New satellite imagery and analysis show that the paramilitary are building an wall around the city, potentially preventing civilians from escaping.
The city has been under a communications blackout, making it nearly impossible to verify death tolls or deliver humanitarian aid.
On-the-ground testimonies report dire realities, including daily shelling, food shortages, disease, and targeted fear.
Public Toll and Global Concern
A recent report states that at least thousands of people were killed in the first half of this year, with the majority of deaths happening in the western region.
A significant number of these deaths were resulted from drone strikes in densely populated zones.
United Nations agencies and watchdogs have earlier raised warnings about identity-based killings in the conflict zone.
Calls for Action
Local advocates have urged the international community to act without delay to prevent further loss of life and ease the worsening humanitarian crisis.
A representative from a refugee area stated that civilians are being forced to use makeshift metal boxes as refuges from ongoing strikes.
The fighting in the country has led to one of the largest humanitarian emergencies in contemporary history, with a vast number of people displaced, starving, and in urgent need of support.
