Deadly airstrikes in Nyala leave civilians in disarray

January 11, 2024 (NYALA) – Early on Thursday morning, Sudanese army warplanes unleashed a series of airstrikes on Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, causing casualties among civilians.

This marks the third time military aircraft have targeted the city since October 26, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assumed full control.

The Sudanese army justifies these airstrikes as part of its efforts to destroy military equipment, including ammunition, rocket launchers, drones, and sophisticated communication systems, the RSF received via Emirati aircraft.

However, the RSF leadership vehemently denies these claims, stating that the army is deliberately targeting civilians in a bid to force them to flee.

In a statement, an RSF spokesperson expressed outrage at the airstrikes, stating, “The Burhan militia and the terrorist remnants of the former regime have bombed a number of residential neighbourhoods in Nyala, leading to the death and injury of dozens of innocent civilians and the destruction of homes and private property.”

Eyewitnesses on the ground report that military aircraft dropped eight explosive barrels each in the neighbourhoods of the Airport, Riyadh, the vicinity of the 16th Infantry Division Command, as well as the museum south of the Al-Wadi neighbourhood and the headquarters of the Sudanese Telecommunications Company “Sudatel.” They also indicate that the ancient Nyala Mosque was damaged when a shell landed inside.

Video footage shared on social media by RSF loyalists highlights the widespread destruction caused by the aerial bombardment.

In December, many Nyala residents took to the streets to protest against the repeated airstrikes, calling on the international community to pressure the Sudanese army to cease its military operations in South Darfur.

The escalating conflict in South Darfur, characterized by aerial bombardments, clashes between opposing forces, and displacement of civilians, has left countless families in despair and the region facing a humanitarian crisis.

(ST)