A surge of indiscriminate airstrikes launched by the General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians in North Darfur, marking a violent escalation in the ongoing war between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Civilian casualties continue to mount as markets and residential areas are being hit, prompting widespread condemnation from human rights groups and opposition factions.
The most devastating of these recent attacks occurred in Koma village on Friday morning, where at least 45 civilians were killed and over 200 were injured.
The airstrike targeted a bustling marketplace around 8:00 a.m., completely catching unarmed residents off-guard. Eyewitnesses described a scene of devastation, with bodies scattered amidst rubble and screams echoing in the aftermath.
Local sources confirmed that no RSF forces were present in the market at the time of the attack.
“This was a civilian zone,” a local witness reported, “People come to this market to shop, including some who might belong to the RSF, but this was not a military target.”
The airstrike raised questions about the SAF’s military tactics, as more reports indicated that the SAF had been targeting non-combatants in their efforts to recapture areas controlled by the RSF.
Widespread Destruction and Civilian Outcry
Koma, located about 54 kilometers from RSF-held Melit and 80 kilometers from El Fasher, has been hit by multiple SAF air assaults in recent months.
The marketplace attack is one of over 30 reported bombings in the village since the conflict intensified.
During a funeral held for the victims, local leaders lashed out at the SAF, accusing them of intentionally targeting civilians. “There is no justification for bombing civilians. No patriot would do this,” said one visibly outraged tribal leader, calling for international intervention to stop the violence.
In addition to the massacre in Koma, the nearby town of Melit suffered similar destruction.
A Friday afternoon airstrike on the town’s market claimed at least 23 more lives, following days of repeated SAF bombardments.
Local reports indicated that SAF warplanes had bombed Melit three times over the course of the week, with the strikes decimating the town and its population. “They say they are targeting RSF convoys, but the RSF has not been here for weeks. It’s civilians who are dying,” a resident said.
Khartoum Targeted as Well
The violence isn’t limited to Darfur. In Khartoum, an airstrike targeted the suburb of Wad Abu Saleh, where at least eight civilians were killed.
The SAF claimed they were targeting an RSF convoy, but local residents, supported by pro-SAF activists, admitted the airstrike struck a civilian area, including a local market and mosque.
“This was not a precise strike,” a pro-SAF activist posted online. “The aircraft targeted civilians.”
Opposition Forces Demand an End to Bombing Campaigns
The airstrikes have provoked outrage from opposition political groups and civilian forces.
The National Umma Party (NUP) and the Sudanese Congress Party (SCP), both key members of the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), released statements condemning the SAF’s attacks and urging an immediate end to the bombing of civilian areas.
“The continued air bombardments on civilian zones are a heinous crime,” the NUP’s statement read, decrying the SAF’s tactics. “These strikes show complete disregard for the safety of the Sudanese people and violate all norms of international humanitarian law.”
The SCP echoed these sentiments, labeling the SAF’s actions as war crimes and warning that those responsible would face accountability. “This is part of a larger series of war crimes committed since the conflict began in April,” the SCP’s statement said, accusing the SAF of systematically targeting civilians across Sudan.
SAF in 2024
2024 has been very bloody for civilians as General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) have stepped up their indiscriminate bombing of civilians after suffering heavy losses on the battlefield throughout 2023 and first half of 2024.
In an desperate attempt to turn the tide, General al-Burhan has chosen to target civilians and civilian infrastructure to freeze the war and slow it to a crawl.
The violence has affected various regions, especially in Khartoum and Darfur, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement.
Here is a list of notable incidents this year
- April 2024: Khartoum Bombings
As the conflict escalated between the SAF and the RSF, heavy bombardments in Khartoum resulted in civilian deaths. Residential areas were hit during airstrikes, dozens reported dead, scores injured. - June 2024: Omdurman Airstrikes
Airstrikes by SAF forces on the city of Omdurman, a stronghold of RSF forces, led to the deaths of over 50 civilians. Hospitals and schools were also damaged. - August 2024: Blue Nile Region Clashes
The SAF conducted operations against rebel groups in the Blue Nile region, leading to the displacement of thousands of civilians. Civilian casualties were reported as a result of shelling and clashes. - September 2024: South Kordofan Shelling
Shelling in South Kordofan, a region with ongoing tensions between SAF and rebel forces, resulted in the deaths of civilians, including children.
These incidents are part of a broader conflict that has displaced millions, strained humanitarian resources, and led to widespread allegations of war crimes against civilians.
Calls for International Action
Human rights groups and local organizations have also condemned the airstrikes. The independent legal group “Emergency Lawyers” highlighted a SAF airstrike on Hamrat Al-Sheikh that killed 30 civilians and wounded over 100 more.
The group emphasized the devastating toll these strikes are having on civilian populations and called for urgent international action to halt the SAF’s bombing campaigns.
“We are documenting these violations,” Emergency Lawyers stated, “and we demand immediate intervention to stop the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians.”
As the conflict rages on, the toll on Sudan’s civilian population continues to rise, with markets, homes, and livelihoods being destroyed. Despite mounting calls for a ceasefire, the prospect of peace remains distant.
