At least 44 civilians were killed and 28 wounded in a shelling attack by SPLM-N rebels in Kadugli, South Kordofan. The attack, which included casualties among women and children, has drawn condemnation from local officials. This incident is part of a larger conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and millions displaced since April 2023.
In a tragic incident in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state in southern Sudan, at least 44 civilians lost their lives, and 28 others sustained injuries due to an attack by a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. This attack occurred on Monday morning, with reports indicating that artillery shells targeted the civilian population, including women and children, among whom was Imam Nizar Mohamed Tom, a respected preacher at the Kadugli Old Mosque.
The SPLM-N has been in conflict with the Sudanese army since 2011, advocating for special status for the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. In response to the shelling, South Kordofan Governor Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel Karim condemned the act, labeling it a “brutal aggression against civilians.” He further stated that government forces effectively retaliated, inflicting significant losses on the rebel faction and reclaiming control over Kadugli.
This recent escalation occurs against a backdrop of intensified conflict in Sudan, where the army is extending its influence in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states, tragically leading to more than 20,000 fatalities and the displacement of nearly 14 million individuals due to ongoing violence. Some estimates, based on studies from a US university, conjecture that the actual death toll could be as high as 130,000.
As the situation deteriorates, international organizations are issuing warnings about a looming humanitarian crisis, with fighting affecting 13 out of Sudan’s 18 states, resulting in escalating food shortages and widespread starvation risks for millions. This alarming scenario underscores the pressing need for humanitarian assistance and resolution to the persistent conflicts affecting the region.
The conflict involving the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North has been ongoing since 2011, primarily in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. This group has sought special status and autonomy within Sudan. Recent conflicts have been exacerbated by longstanding tensions between governmental forces and various rebel factions, leading to significant humanitarian issues, including mass displacement and food insecurity for the affected populations.
The attack by SPLM-N in Kadugli highlights the ongoing violence and the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian populations in South Sudan. With thousands dead and millions displaced, the urgent need for humanitarian intervention is exacerbated by rampant food shortages and a deteriorating security situation across many regions of Sudan. International awareness and action are crucial to mitigate this impending crisis.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
