Drone strike targets Islamist group in Atbara, North Sudan

April 2, 2024 (ATBARA) – A drone strike on Tuesday targeted a Ramadan iftar gathering for members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade in Atbara, River Nile State in northern Sudan. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured over 30 others.

The Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, aligned with Islamists and former regime figures, is a prominent group fighting alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This attack marks the first time the brigade has been targeted outside the capital, Khartoum.

Security sources told Sudan Tribune that the iftar invitation included battalion commanders from several Sudanese states.

Nile River state officials haven’t disclosed details about the drone’s origin or the attackers’ identities. However, Sudan Tribune obtained information suggesting the drone originated from the Akkad area, located 11 kilometers south of Atbara.

Eyewitnesses in Atbara reported the bombing occurred shortly after the breakfast ended. Government officials were reportedly present at the event, held in a central location near the main market and the Central Bank.

Witnesses believe the death toll could rise due to the severity of some injuries among those transferred to Atbara and police hospitals.

Sources in Atbara, citing consistent reports, told Sudan Tribune that Al-Misbah Abu Zaid, commander of the Al-Baraa Battalion, was initially present inside the hall but left shortly before the incident. A video circulating on social media later showed him at a hospital, checking on the wounded.

The aftermath included charred bodies and injured victims. Residents near the blast site reported a loud explosion and damage to surrounding buildings, including the Omdurman National Bank.

Security forces swiftly deployed around the scene, cordoning off the Atbara market. Tanks and a significant military presence were deployed on the Umm Al-Tuyour bridge (south of Atbara) and the old bridge connecting Atbara to Al-Damer.

Eyewitnesses reported that military forces stopped vehicles from entering the city, requiring them to wait for permission to proceed.

Later reports indicate that security forces apprehended suspects in the Akkad area for questioning.

As of publication, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

(ST)