Kutum, February 1(Darfur24)Eyewitnesses and local sources in Kutum, North Darfur, reported on Saturday that four people were killed and more than ten others wounded in an airstrike carried out by a drone targeting a trade convoy on Thursday.
The attack occurred on the road linking the border town of Al-Tina with Chad and the town of Furuk, northwest of Kutum.
Community leader Haroun Khater told Darfur24 that an unidentified drone launched a heavy airstrike targeting four commercial vehicles carrying traders and passengers on their way from Al-Tina to the town of Furuk, near Kutum.
He indicated that the incident resulted in the deaths of Sufyan Ibrahim, a driver from Sandu village; Fatima Adam, a child from Arida village; Ali Ishaq from Malaqat town; and one other person whose identity is still unknown.
He stated that more than ten people were injured, some critically, and were transferred to Kutum Rural Hospital for treatment.
In the same context, an eyewitness from Furuk town told Darfur24 that the four vehicles were completely or partially burned, and the goods and belongings of the residents were also completely destroyed. The damage was assessed, the injured were transported, and the deceased were buried.
The Jabal Uri Emergency Room in Kutum condemned the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure and property.
In a brief statement published on its official Facebook page and reviewed by Darfur24, the organization called on international human rights and humanitarian organizations to fulfill their role in protecting civilians in conflict zones.
It also called for a fair and transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances of the attack, ensure it does not happen again, and hold those responsible accountable.
Since April 2023, Sudan has witnessed fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and its allies on one side, and the Rapid Support Forces on the other. Drones are frequently used in attacks on civilian and military areas controlled by both sides.