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Sudan Drone Strike Kills 80 Near Market
19 Oct
Summary
- A drone strike killed 80 people near a market in al-Dibab.
- The attack occurred at a transport hub where commuters gathered.
- This is one of the deadliest single strikes since April 2023.
A drone strike on Sunday evening in al-Dibab, West Kordofan state, resulted in the deaths of 80 people, predominantly commuters. The attack occurred at a transport hub frequented by individuals heading to their villages after market day.
Witnesses reported that the drone struck twice within a 10-minute interval. Initial reports indicated 50 fatalities, with an additional 30 succumbing to their injuries later. This incident is recognized as one of the most lethal single attacks since the outbreak of war in April 2023 between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The RSF-declared administration has accused the army of perpetrating the strike, with West Kordofan state currently under RSF control. Sudan has seen a significant increase in drone usage during the conflict. Between January and April, drone strikes alone were responsible for at least 880 civilian deaths.
Recent weeks have also seen drone attacks in other regions, such as South Darfur, where both sides accuse each other of civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by foreign support, continues to devastate communities, with UN officials warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis and a lack of progress toward dialogue.
