Devastating Drone Strike in South Kordofan Claims 50 Lives, Including 33 Children
A recent drone attack, reportedly carried out by Sudanese paramilitary forces, has led to a horrific loss of life in Sudan's South Kordofan state. The assault claimed at least 50 victims, with a tragic count of 33 children among them. The devastating incident occurred in the town of Kalogi, where a medical group on the ground stated that emergency responders, while attending to the initial victims, were subsequently targeted in an unexpected second attack.
UNICEF Condemns "Horrific Violation" of Children's Rights
The appalling scale of this attack has triggered immediate and strong international condemnation. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan, released a powerful statement on Friday, unequivocally denouncing the targeting of children within their school. Yett described the act as a "horrific violation of children’s rights," underscoring the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on the nation's most vulnerable citizens.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
This deeply disturbing event tragically highlights the severe and escalating humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan. Relentless violence has characterized the conflict, with civilian infrastructure and non-combatants frequently caught in the crossfire. Such indiscriminate attacks not only result in immediate casualties but also severely exacerbate the humanitarian situation. They hinder critical aid efforts and further destabilize regions already struggling with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a lack of essential services. The international community continues its urgent appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties involved to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law, with particular emphasis on the protection of children, medical personnel, and civilian populations.