N’Djamena, January 07 (Darfur24)
A drone strike believed to have been carried out by the Sudanese army killed more than 20 civilians on Tuesday after hitting the N’Djamena market in South Kordofan State, an area under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N).
Eyewitness Ali Mohamed Koko told Darfur24 that the strike occurred at around 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, killing more than 20 civilians, including four women and a pregnant woman. Displaced people and traders were among the victims, while many others were injured, some seriously.
According to the witness, the drone targeted commercial vehicles transporting goods and passengers, as civilians were gathered on the outskirts of the market awaiting departures. He stressed that the airstrike hit a purely civilian area with no military presence or installations.
The bombing caused widespread panic and chaos in the market, with residents rushing to rescue the wounded and transport them to nearby health facilities. This took place amid a severe shortage of medical resources and difficulties in accessing adequate care, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Local sources said the N’Djamena market is a key commercial hub serving residents of the Kacha area and surrounding villages. It is typically crowded, particularly on weekly market days, which magnified the impact of the attack and resulted in a major humanitarian tragedy.
No official statements have yet been issued by the military parties regarding the airstrike or the circumstances surrounding it.