Kartala, December 1 (Darfur24)
Armed clashes in the Kartala area of Hebeila locality in South Kordofan over the past week have triggered one of the largest waves of displacement seen in the region in months.
According to a statement from the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), obtained by Darfur24 on Sunday, an estimated 1,625 people fled Kartala on November 28. The organization attributed the displacement to the deteriorating security situation and escalating fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and SPLM-North forces.
The statement said residents were forced to leave their homes hastily after clashes spread to the outskirts of the village, causing widespread panic and pushing families to flee toward safer areas in neighboring Dalami locality.
The displaced have moved into several villages and gathering points within Dalami, where they now face harsh humanitarian conditions, including shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Kartala witnessed fierce battles on Wednesday and Thursday, which residents said resulted in dozens of civilians being killed or wounded. The escalation intensified the flight of civilians, leaving the roads leading out of the area crowded with people attempting to escape.
Mohammed Al-Tijani told Darfur24 that dozens of injured civilians were transported from Kartala to Al-Obeid, while others were taken to Dalami. He noted that health facilities in both areas are under severe strain due to the growing number of casualties.
Kartala is one of six villages in the mountainous region, which also includes Al-Kurur, Al-Kafir, Al-Kadru, Kaldaji and Al-Dabbatna. It lies about 84 kilometers east of Dilling, 33 kilometers north of Dalami, and 37 kilometers east of Hebeila.