Sudan: Amidst the ongoing civil war in Sudan, another horrific drone attack has put the lives of civilians in danger. A busy market was targeted in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur province in south-western Sudan. According to human rights organisation Emergency Lawyers, more than 100 people died in this attack, while 113 people were injured. A large number of women and children are said to be included among the dead and injured. There is an atmosphere of panic in the area after this incident.
Where and when did the drone attack happen?
According to the report, the attack took place on the evening of Monday, October 26, in Tankung market located in Dumaya area of Nyala. At that time there was a lot of crowd in the market and people were buying goods of daily needs. Meanwhile, drone attacks hit the market. After the attack, local people and rescue workers helped in taking the injured to the hospital.
Human rights organisation Emergency Lawyers has held the Sudanese army responsible for the attack and has demanded an independent investigation into the incident. However, all the facts related to the attack have not yet been independently confirmed.
How many injured reached hospitals?
According to the international medical organisation Doctors Without Borders (MSF), 36 bodies were delivered to the Nyala Teaching Hospital following the attack. More than 150 injured patients were treated in the hospital’s emergency department. According to doctors, many of the injured have suffered shrapnel and severe burn injuries.
Different organisations have given different figures of dead and injured. In such a situation, the final number of casualties in the attack is not clear.
Why does civil war continue in Sudan?
The conflict between the army and the paramilitary organisation Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been going on in Sudan since April 2023. The fighting that started between the two sides has gradually spread to many parts of the country. Nyala town is currently under RSF control. The use of drone strikes has increased during the conflict and serious concerns are being raised about attacks on markets, residential areas and essential civilian facilities.
Even before this, there have been attacks on the markets of Nyala. Due to continuous violence, it is becoming difficult for common people to get food, treatment and essential goods.
How many people need humanitarian assistance?
According to the United Nations, about 34 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Millions of people have been displaced and the food crisis is deepening in many areas.
The latest attack on Nyala market has once again raised questions about the safety of citizens. Human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the incident and called on the parties involved in the war to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian targets.
