A military airstrike in Tora, Sudan, has claimed at least 54 lives, primarily among women, amidst ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and RSF. Local aid groups denounce the attack as a violation of humanitarian law, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Aid organizations in Sudan have reported that a military airstrike on a local market in the western region has resulted in the deaths of at least 54 individuals. This attack occurred on Monday in the village of Tora, igniting a significant fire, according to Adam Rejal, a spokesman for a local group aiding displaced persons in Darfur.
The Sudanese military, represented by Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, asserted that civilians were not deliberately targeted, labeling the allegations as “incorrect” and typical of claims made when military actions are taken against hostile forces.
The airstrike significantly damaged a considerable portion of the weekly market in Tora, located approximately 80 kilometers north of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur Province. Local advocacy group Support Darfur Victims shared disturbing video evidence depicting the aftermath, with burned structures and lifeless bodies presented visibly on the ground.
According to casualty reports compiled by Rejal, over 50% of the deceased were women, with the strike also resulting in at least 23 injuries and seven missing persons. Rejal condemned the bombing as “a crime against humanity and a clear violation of all international and humanitarian laws and conventions.”
El-Fasher is currently under control of the Sudanese military, despite ongoing airstrikes from the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This incident marks another tragedy in an escalating conflict that began in April 2023, when rising tensions between the military and RSF erupted into open warfare throughout Sudan.
This prolonged conflict has wreaked havoc across numerous urban areas, resulting in over 28,000 fatalities and displacing millions. Reports indicate that some families have resorted to extreme measures, such as foraging for grass, as famine spreads throughout parts of the country. Estimates suggest that the actual death toll may be even higher.
The violence has been characterized by heinous acts, including mass rape and racially motivated killings classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in the Darfur region, according to the United Nations and international human rights organizations. In recent months, the military has made steady gains against the RSF, reclaiming significant government structures in the strategic capital city, including the Republican Palace, which served as the seat of the previous government.
The airstrike in Sudan’s Tora village has resulted in significant loss of life, predominantly among women, due to escalating conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces. The international community is urged to recognize these events as serious violations of humanitarian law. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting urgent calls for intervention and support for affected populations.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
