An airstrike by Sudan’s military struck a crowded market in the western region of Darfur, resulting in at least 54 fatalities and numerous injuries, as reported by local monitoring groups, who labeled the incident a likely war crime.
The attack occurred on Monday amidst ongoing military operations in the capital, Khartoum, where the Sudanese military recently seized the presidential palace and is attempting to eliminate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces from the city.
The incident in Darfur serves as a stark reminder of the severe impact of Sudan’s civil war, the largest in Africa, which is nearing its two-year mark. Videos and images from the aftermath in Toura, a small town in North Darfur, depicted numerous charred bodies and human remains scattered across the market area.
Geolocation of the videos by the Sudan Witness Project confirmed the location as Toura, while satellite imagery indicated that approximately 10,000 square meters were burned during the attack.
The exact number of casualties remains uncertain. A Sudanese monitoring group reported dozens of deaths, while the advocacy group Avaaz cited local sources claiming over 200 fatalities. Activists provided a handwritten list with 54 names of the deceased.
Witnesses indicated that the airstrike originated from the Sudanese military, which possesses warplanes, unlike the Rapid Support Forces. The military has conducted similar airstrikes in the region recently.
In response to the allegations, the military stated that claims of targeting civilians are “completely false” and asserted that they adhere to international law in their operations, accusing the Rapid Support Forces of attacking civilians since the conflict began.
Since the onset of the civil war in April 2023, nearly 13 million people have been displaced, with tens of thousands reported dead, according to United Nations estimates. Parts of Sudan are experiencing famine, and both factions have faced accusations of committing atrocities.
The Rapid Support Forces have been frequently accused of brutality, including genocide allegations related to ethnic massacres in Darfur. Conversely, the army has been criticized for indiscriminate bombings in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, often resulting in high civilian casualties.
Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese organization documenting war crimes, described the airstrike as a “horrific massacre” and a likely violation of international law.
In Khartoum, military officials reported that the paramilitary forces had retreated from Burri, a significant neighborhood near the River Nile and the international airport. Journalists observed the destruction in the city, including debris, burned vehicles, and decomposing bodies.
Military operations continue as forces aim to eliminate remaining Rapid Support Forces fighters, with estimates suggesting it may take two weeks to clear them from the city. Brig. Gen. Yasir Hassan, the area commander, indicated that the Rapid Support Forces are likely to retreat to Darfur, where they plan to establish a parallel government.
This potential shift raises concerns about Sudan's future, with analysts suggesting that the country could face a division similar to Libya's post-Arab Spring situation. The Rapid Support Forces are also expected to intensify efforts to capture El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been under siege for nearly a year amid ongoing famine conditions.