Accidental airstrike in El Fasher kills five Sudanese soldiers

September 14, 2024 (EL FASHER) – A Sudanese army warplane accidentally bombed a site within its own Sixth Infantry Division headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Saturday, killing five soldiers and wounding nine, a military statement said.

The incident occurred as the air force was responding to attempts by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to infiltrate the city, the statement from division commanders in El Fasher said.

A military spokesperson told Sudan Tribune that “high interference” caused the accidental strike.

The spokesperson denied reports that the strike targeted weapons depots or that forces belonging to the Sudan Liberation Movement were present at the site.

The army has been battling the RSF in a conflict that erupted in April 2024 and has killed thousands and displaced millions.

In recent days, the air force has conducted intensive airstrikes targeting RSF positions in El Fasher and other parts of North Darfur.

The military statement praised the air force’s role in recent battles in the region. Several military sources said the army is now using guided missiles, making it harder for the RSF to counter the airstrikes.

Social media reports claiming the strike was intentional and killed many more people were denied by the military.