Deadly Airstrikes Expose Growing Battle Over Sudan’s Gold
Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Air strikes on October 10 killed at least 72 artisanal gold miners at Shamal al-Wadi, in the far north of Sudan's Red Sea state, along a border Egypt is policing to control a gold trade it now dominates. Survivors put the toll above 200. Miners and Sudanese rights groups blame Egyptian aircraft, and no government has claimed the strikes. Egypt treats the disputed…
Airstrikes on October 10 near Shamal al-Wadi in Sudan’s Red Sea state killed at least 72 artisanal gold miners, though survivors say the death toll may exceed 200. Egyptian aircraft are suspected, with no government confirming responsibility. Egypt claims the disputed area as its own territory and maintains its operations stayed within its borders.
This marks the second deadly raid on the site since June, when over 50 miners were reported killed. Sudan produced about 70 tonnes of gold in 2025 but exported less than 15 tonnes, with the majority smuggled or refined informally. Egypt is now the second-largest buyer of Sudan’s official gold exports, purchasing 4.9 tonnes worth $517 million in 2025.
Meanwhile, in France, student protests over school conditions persist, with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu offering substitute teachers and building repairs. The movement has garnered significant support among voters, but the government and intelligence services suspect student groups of organizing the protests. In energy news, Saudi Arabia aims to increase crude transported by pipeline to roughly 10 million barrels per day, reducing reliance on tanker routes through the Gulf and Red Sea.
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