Recent clashes between the Sudanese military and rival paramilitary groups in North Darfur have resulted in a tragic loss of innocent lives, with at least 13 children killed and four others injured, according to UNICEF.
The children, aged between 6 and 17 years old, were caught in the crossfire as the Sudanese army conducted airstrikes targeting a market in the town of Al Kuma, located east of the North Darfur capital of El Fasher. The airstrikes also struck the city of Mellit, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 people and injuring dozens more.
Reports indicate that the violence has also spread to other regions, with Hamrat al-Sheikh in North Kordofan being targeted by airstrikes. The conflict, which began in April 2023 in Khartoum and has since escalated, has led to widespread displacement and casualties across Sudan.
UNICEF has strongly condemned the attacks on children, emphasizing that they should never be subjected to the horrors of war. The organization's representative to Sudan, Sheldon Yett, expressed deep concern over the impact of the ongoing conflict on innocent civilians, particularly children.
According to the United Nations, an estimated 20,000 people have lost their lives and thousands more have been injured since the conflict erupted. The war has forced over 10 million people to flee their homes, with 2.4 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries and beyond.
