Air strike on North Darfur market kills dozens

June 1, 2025 (AL-KOMA) – At least 89 people were killed Saturday following an air strike by Sudanese army warplanes targeting a crowded civilian market in North Darfur state.

The Sudanese army had halted continuous air raids in the Darfur region since April, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced they had shot down two aircraft, one in El Fasher, North Darfur, and another in Nyala, South Darfur.

A statement issued by the Al-Koma Emergency Room reported that “at least 89 people were killed in a bombing carried out by an army aircraft targeting Al-Koma town in North Darfur state.”

Local sources and eyewitnesses told “Sudan Tribune” that a drone was seen flying at a high altitude before firing approximately three missiles that struck Al-Koma’s market, a densely populated civilian area. This resulted in a large number of casualties, injuries, and fires igniting in widespread sections of the market.

Al-Koma, located east of El Fasher and under the control of the RSF, is one of the most frequently targeted areas in Darfur by army aircraft, with over 200 aerial sorties, according to local leaders.

Previous air raids by the army on the town, situated on the western relief road, have killed dozens of civilians and destroyed water sources, public services, and the main market.