Sudan Paramilitary Drone Attack Kills 50, including 33 Children in Kordofan
In a brutal attack that has drawn international condemnation, at least 50 people, including 33 children, have been killed in a drone strike carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, in the South Kordofan state. The strike targeted a nursery and a group of paramedics in the town of Kalogi, according to statements by the Sudan Doctors Network (SDN) and multiple news outlets.
Background and Context
The drone strike, which occurred on Thursday, December 4, is believed to be a part of the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The RSF, in alliance with Abdelaziz al-Hilu’s faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N), has been accused of the attack by the Sudanese Medical Network and the army. The RSF has been heavily involved in the civil war, often accused of brutal tactics and human rights abuses.
Details of the Attack
According to local officials and the SDN, the drone attack involved three strikes: the first targeted a kindergarten, the second targeted paramedics who arrived at the scene to help, and the third strike occurred as people tried to rescue the children. The attack is believed to have resulted in at least 50 deaths, with the final toll expected to be higher.
The RSF and its ally, Abdelaziz al-Hilu’s faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N), on Thursday carried out a deliberate suicide...
attack, the SDN said in a late Friday statement.
Emergency Lawyers, a rights group tracking violence against civilians in Sudan, reported a second strike on paramedics treating survivors, highlighting the ruthless nature of the attack.
Child Abductions for Recruitment
In a related development, Sudanese paramilitaries and rebels are reported to have abducted 21 children in South Kordofan state last week with the intention of recruiting them as fighters. The abductions are believed to be part of a larger trend, with the boys, all aged 14 or 15, among 150 men and youths seized by the RSF, according to Middle East Eye.
Reactions and Implications
While the attack has drawn wide condemnation, there has been no official response from the RSF or the Sudanese government at this time. The incident has escalated fears about the ongoing conflict in Sudan and its effect on civilians, especially children. International agencies and rights groups are likely to increase pressure on the Sudanese government to halt such attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Current Status
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the world watches closely for any signs of de-escalation. For now, the conflict continues unabated, with the civilian population, especially children, bearing the brunt of the violence.