Nyala/Khartoum, May 04 (Darfur24)
At least eight people were killed in separate shooting incidents in South Darfur and Khartoum State, underscoring growing insecurity and the spread of armed violence across Sudan.
In South Darfur, seven teenagers were shot dead on Friday in the Tabaldiyat area, about 20 kilometers south of Nyala, after an armed group intercepted them and demanded fuel.
A relative of the victims, Mohammed Haroun, told Darfur24 that the youths, all under the age of 18, were traveling in a tuk-tuk on a social visit to the Um Shabak area when they were stopped by gunmen riding motorcycles. The attackers demanded fuel from the vehicle, and when the youths said they had none to spare, an argument broke out before the gunmen opened fire without warning.
Five of the victims died instantly, while two others succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.
A local administrative leader said residents attempted to pursue the attackers, but no arrests were made. He added that the victims were buried on Saturday.
The official warned of a deteriorating security situation in areas south of Nyala, including Al-Salam and Bilel localities, citing repeated killings, armed robberies, and kidnappings carried out by groups operating with little deterrence. He also pointed to the widespread use of motorcycles, weapons, and drug trafficking as key drivers of insecurity.
In a separate incident in Omdurman, west of Khartoum, one member of the regular forces was killed, and two others were injured during a shooting at Sabreen market.
Police said the incident occurred when a joint patrol attempted to stop a soldier carrying a weapon inside the market, in violation of standing orders. According to the statement, the soldier refused to comply and opened fire on the patrol, injuring two officers before he was shot dead.
Authorities said the situation was quickly contained, with the wounded transferred to the hospital and the deceased handed over to his unit. Police described the incident as accidental and maintained that the overall security situation in the state remains stable.
The twin incidents highlight a broader pattern of escalating gun violence, as civilians and security personnel alike face increasing risks amid the ongoing conflict and proliferation of weapons across the country.