Air strikes kill at least 30 in North Kordofan

 October 5, 2024 (EL OBEID) – At least 30 people were killed in air strikes by Sudan’s military in the Hamra al-Sheikh area of North Kordofan state on Saturday, lawyers said.

The strikes targeted Hamra al-Sheikh and Abu Zuama, two areas through which roads run connecting the capital, Khartoum, to the Darfur region. These areas have been repeatedly targeted in the conflict. There have been reports of planes landing in these areas carrying weapons for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“At least 30 people were killed, and more than 100 others were injured in an air raid by the army targeting the Hamra al-Sheikh and Abu Zuama areas in North Kordofan state,” Emergency Lawyers, a human rights group, said in a statement.

The group said warplanes dropped around six bombs on residential neighbourhoods and the main market of Hamra al-Sheikh, killing a large number of civilians and livestock.

Local sources said there was no RSF presence or military activity in the town and denied reports of planes landing or taking off.

In January, Emergency Lawyers reported that seven air strikes in the area, each dropping eight to ten bombs, had targeted residential areas, markets, pastures and water resources, killing and injuring civilians.

The strikes on Hamra al-Sheikh and surrounding areas have displaced many residents to nearby villages lacking basic services, the report said.