SAF airstrike kills and injures dozens of civilians in North Darfur

NORTH DARFUR – A deadly airstrike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday, June 1, left more than 89 civilians dead or wounded in Al-Koma, a town in North Darfur, according to a statement by the local emergency response group.

Located 76 kilometers east of El Fasher along the main highway connecting Darfur to Khartoum, Al-Koma has become a flashpoint in the conflict. The attack reportedly struck residential areas, causing widespread devastation among the local population.

The emergency room in Al-Koma, operated by local volunteers, condemned the strike, saying it “left behind innocent blood and pure souls who ascended to their creator.” the group also released a partial list of victims, describing them as some of the community’s most respected individuals.

As of press time, the SAF had not issued any statement acknowledging or denying the attack. However, local and international human rights groups have repeatedly accused the Sudanese military of carrying out indiscriminate airstrikes on populated civilian areas during the ongoing conflict.

The SAF claims its aerial operations are directed at military targets, but growing evidence points to a pattern of bombings hitting markets, homes, and gathering places far from active combat zones.

This latest airstrike has reignited calls for accountability. “These strikes are not only tragic but violate the principles of international humanitarian law,” said one local activist, speaking to Sudanspost on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

In March, the EU imposed sanctions on the commander of the SAF Air Force, Major General Pilot Taher Mohamed Al-Awad Al-Amin, holding him responsible for what it described as the “indiscriminate bombing of densely populated civilian areas” since the conflict began in April 2023.

The attack on Al-Koma is one of the deadliest in recent weeks and highlights the intensifying toll of the war on civilians. Residents say no military installations were present in the area hit by the strike.

With no clear resolution to the conflict in sight, communities across Sudan continue to suffer the consequences of a war marked by impunity and disregard for civilian life. local observers warn that the casualty figure from SAturday’s strike may rise as rescue efforts continue.

Humanitarian organizations and rights groups are urging an independent investigation into the atrocities of Sudan’s war, stressing the need for greater protection of civilians amid the escalating violence.

sudanspost.com