SAF drone strike on Sudanese busy market kills dozens, says MSF

On Monday, a drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces hit a bustling market in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur region, resulting in at least thirty-six casualties, according to the international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Nyala Teaching Hospital, supported by MSF teams, has received the bodies of 36 individuals, with 21 of them wearing civilian attire, the charity reported.

Emergency room staff at the hospital treated over 150 wounded patients. The strike inflicted severe damage on the market. A second drone attack also struck a nearby civilian neighborhood, the medical charity added.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been clashing since April 2023, causing displacement of over 14 million people and a surge in violence. Both sides have faced accusations of war crimes. On Monday, numerous countries, including the US and major European powers, called on Sudan's warring factions to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning of escalating hunger.

In a joint statement, the US State Department urged increased international funding and access across front lines and borders, including air delivery into Darfur. They emphasized that Sudan is experiencing a critical decline in food security, and predicted the risk of famine in upcoming months, as warned by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

The international statement stressed the primary responsibility of the conflict parties to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, urging protection of humanitarian workers and refraining from attacking civilian infrastructure. Financial institutions were also asked to adjust their programs to tackle the food crisis. The signatories included Australia, Britain, France, Germany, the US, and the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management.