Fighting in North Darfur kills 13 children amid military clashes
- Recent airstrikes by the Sudanese army in North Darfur targeted a market, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 children and injuries to four others.
- The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has led to significant civilian casualties, with at least 45 people reported dead from the airstrikes.
- UNICEF condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need to protect children from the impacts of war and calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis.
In Sudan, recent clashes between the military and paramilitary forces in North Darfur have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 children, aged between 6 and 17, with four others injured. The violence escalated following airstrikes launched by the Sudanese army on a market in Al Kuma, located approximately 70 kilometers east of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Reports indicate that these airstrikes also affected the city of Mellit, leading to at least 45 fatalities and numerous injuries among civilians. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has intensified in Darfur, a region already plagued by violence and instability. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) condemned the attacks, emphasizing that children should be protected from the horrors of war. Sheldon Yett, a UNICEF representative, highlighted the unacceptable nature of targeting children, who are often the most affected by such conflicts. The airstrikes have raised concerns about the safety of civilians in areas that had previously been untouched by the fighting. The war between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread suffering and displacement across the country. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Sudan deteriorates, with children bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community is urged to take action to protect vulnerable populations and address the ongoing crisis. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and the protection of innocent lives caught in the crossfire.