At least 72 Sudanese gold miners killed in strike blamed on Egypt

At least 72 gold miners have been killed in an air strike inside northern Sudan, according to three Sudanese groups blaming Egypt for the strike. Emergency Lawyers, a coalition of pro-democracy groups, and Sudan Doctors Network both condemned the attack and accused the Sudanese government of failing to protect its citizens and maintain territorial integrity.

The death toll, as reported by Emergency Doctors, is 72, while Sudan Doctors Network initially reported 13 dead and 28 wounded, with the death toll likely to rise. Egypt's military confirmed the strike took place near the Sudanese border, targeting illegal gold prospectors operating on Egyptian territory. A leaflet shared online warned the miners to leave the area or face immediate targeting.

The authenticity of the leaflet remains unverified. The influx of gold prospectors in recent years, driven by economic struggles following South Sudan's secession, has intensified the gold rush in Sudan. Despite government revenue from gold exports estimated at $2 billion, the majority of gold is smuggled out of the country or used locally, with estimates of two million miners affecting Sudan's economy.