At least 54 killed in brutal military airstrike on market in Darfur
- A military airstrike in Darfur hit a local market, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
- Local aid groups reported at least 54 deaths, with the majority being women.
- The airstrike represents an escalation of violence in Sudan's ongoing civil conflict.
Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil conflict since April 2023, leading to significant loss of life and widespread humanitarian crises. In the latest incident, airstrikes conducted by the Sudanese military targeted a local market in the Darfur region, killing at least 54 people and injuring numerous others. The airstrike occurred on a Monday and has been described by local aid groups as a horrific assault on civilians. This attack adds to a growing toll of over 28,000 people dead due to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the dire consequences and escalation of violence in the war-torn region. The Sudanese military has consistently denied targeting civilians, claiming that such allegations are incorrect and arise during their operations against hostile targets. Despite these denials, reports from various humanitarian organizations indicate that civilian casualties continue to rise due to airstrikes and shelling. The situation in Darfur has led to widespread famine and displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes since the war broke out, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. International organizations, including the United Nations, have raised alarms about the ongoing violence, atrocities, and human rights violations occurring throughout Sudan, particularly in Darfur. The region has witnessed gruesome acts of violence that researchers and activists claim amount to war crimes, with mass rapes and ethnic cleansing being reported. The humanitarian impact of the bombings is exacerbated by the fact that over half of Sudan's population is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. The tragic events of the recent airstrike have drawn condemnation from various aid organizations, emphasizing it as a clear violation of international humanitarian laws. Activists are calling for international intervention to protect civilians and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes. As the conflict continues to escalate, the people of Sudan face an uncertain future, marked by increased violence, poverty, and desperate living conditions.