A devastating attack by Sudanese paramilitaries in Sudan’s main agricultural region resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 lives, including many innocent children, according to Sudanese pro-democracy activists.
The details surrounding the assault on Wad al-Noura, a village located 70 miles south of Khartoum, the capital, remain unclear and subject to debate.
The significant number of casualties, along with the distressing images of a mass burial shared on social media and confirmed by The New York Times, have sparked global outrage, making this incident the latest focal point in Sudan’s ongoing brutal conflict.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the top U.N. official in Sudan, expressed her sorrow, stating, “The scenes from Wad Al-Noura are truly heartbreaking, even amidst Sudan’s tragic history of conflict.”
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also weighed in, declaring on social media, “The world is watching. Those responsible will be held accountable.”
Despite the international condemnation, Sudan has witnessed numerous atrocities with little repercussions since the onset of a devastating civil war a year ago, pitting the national army against the formidable Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group.
With communication lines down in Jazeera Province, where Wad al-Noura is situated, Sudanese citizens are relying on videos and reports from local activists to comprehend the extent of the recent tragedy.
A video shared online and verified by The Times depicts a convoy of Rapid Support Forces vehicles near Wad al-Noura, with gunmen firing machine guns towards the village, highlighting the intensity of the attack.
Another video from within Wad al-Noura suggests that the village attempted to defend itself, with a resident pleading for assistance amidst the sound of gunfire.
Described as a massacre by the local resistance committee, videos showing rows of bodies prepared for burial at the village have been shared online, underscoring the devastating impact of the assault.
The resistance committee reported a death toll of at least 104 individuals, holding the national army accountable for their failure to intervene and prevent the tragedy.
In a conflicting statement, the Rapid Support Forces acknowledged their involvement in the attack on Wad al-Noura but claimed they were targeting military positions surrounding the village,…
2024-06-06 20:02:59
Originally posted on www.nytimes.com