Drone Strike on Market in Sudan's Nyala Kills at Least 21 People
At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a drone strike on a market in the Darfur city of Nyala, according to medical and local sources.
At a glance
- A drone strike hit a market in northern Nyala on Monday evening, killing at least 21 people and wounding over 40.
- The targeted market was frequented by armed fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, residents said.
- Nyala serves as the de facto capital of the RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese military since April 2023.
At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 others sustained injuries after a drone strike hit a market in the city of Nyala, located in Sudan’s western Darfur region, on Monday evening.
The aerial bombardment occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT) in the northern sector of the city, according to accounts from local residents and healthcare personnel reported by the AFP news agency.
Casualties Reported at Nyala Hospital
In the aftermath of the attack, casualties were transported to local medical facilities. A medic stationed at Nyala Hospital confirmed the extent of the losses on Tuesday, stating that 21 people had died from the previous night's bombing and that more than 40 other individuals were receiving treatment for their injuries.
RSF Presence in Nyala
A local resident informed AFP that the targeted marketplace in northern Nyala was regularly visited by armed men, noting that fighters belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) frequented the area.
Nyala holds significant strategic importance in the ongoing war, functioning as the de facto capital for the RSF. Within the city, the paramilitary force has established a rival administration that directly challenges the authority of the military-backed, internationally recognised government based in Khartoum.
Ongoing Military Strikes
The strike is part of a broader confrontation between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF, who have been engaged in an active civil war since April 2023.
Throughout the conflict, the Sudanese military has regularly launched strikes against Nyala as part of its operations against the paramilitary group's presence in Darfur.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- What happened during the strike in Nyala, Sudan?
- A drone strike hit a market in northern Nyala on Monday evening around 8:00 p.m. local time, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 40 others.
- Why is Nyala a focal point in the Sudanese conflict?
- Nyala serves as the de facto capital for the Rapid Support Forces, where the group has declared a rival administration against Sudan's military-backed government.
- Who was present at the market during the strike?
- A resident reported that the marketplace was frequented by armed combatants, particularly fighters belonging to the Rapid Support Forces.
