SAF airstrikes devastate pastoralist communities in Blue Nile and Sennar

Warplanes belonging to General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) have conducted aerial strikes targeting herds belonging to Fulani, Ambororo, and Rufaa pastoralists in Sudan’s Blue Nile and Sennar states last week, local activists reported on Saturday.

The attacks, which allegedly killed between 3,500 and 4,000 livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, have prompted accusations of war crimes.

Videos circulating online show the aftermath of the strikes in the Bout area near the South Sudan border, depicting extensive losses among the herds. Activists say the strikes are part of a broader campaign to impoverish and displace pastoralist communities accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

In addition to the airstrikes, ground troops reportedly launched attacks on villages in the region.

Displaced residents have described forced expulsions based on ethnic classifications. Mahjoub Bakhit Al-Naeem, a member of the Rufaa Warrap tribe, recounted how his family of seven was forced to flee after their home and food supplies were burned.

“We endured an arduous journey to reach safety in Al-Mazmoum and later crossed into South Sudan’s Renk,” he said.

Another survivor, identified as Umm Nona, said her family was beaten and insulted by SAF soldiers, who accused them of affiliation with the RSF. She added that their homes were destroyed, leaving them stranded near the Goz Fami border area.

Activists have accused the SAF, allied SPLM-North factions led by Malik Agar, Islamist brigades, and the Central Reserve Police, or “Abu Tira,” of orchestrating the attacks. Villages in Al-Dali, Al-Mazmoum, Jariwa, and other areas were reportedly burned, crops looted, and civilians killed.

Reports also indicate the arrest of tribal leaders, including Mek Al-Walid Nael Mak Hassan Adlan, detained by SAF military intelligence in Sinja.

Refugees have fled to border areas between Sudan and South Sudan, with some crossing into Upper Nile State. South Sudanese officials have corroborated claims of airstrikes on their territory, heightening regional tensions.

The SAF has not commented on the allegations. However, the continued targeting of pastoralists raises concerns about escalating violence and its impact on vulnerable communities.

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