Nairobi, February 05 (Darfur24)
Several miners were killed and others injured in an attack on the “Baba” gold mine inside the Central African Republic on Tuesday, according to two sources from Kafia Kingi in Al-Radoum locality, south of Nyala in South Darfur State.
One source told Darfur24 that the casualties included Sudanese, Chadian, and South Sudanese miners, adding that the exact number of victims has not yet been confirmed.
According to the source, Russian forces stationed in the area had previously distributed leaflets banning poaching, carrying weapons, wearing hooded clothing, and using motorcycles inside the mining site, warning that violations would be met with strict measures.
He said the confrontation occurred after a miner reportedly captured a gazelle fitted with a surveillance device, prompting Russian forces to respond using a helicopter, combat vehicles, and motorcycles. The troops opened fire on miners at the site, resulting in deaths and injuries, while others fled toward the Sudanese and South Sudanese borders.
The source added that, as of Wednesday morning, the deceased had not yet been buried. Around 30 wounded individuals, including critically injured cases, were transported to Kafia Kingi, while South Sudanese casualties were transferred to Bor inside South Sudan.