Sudan: Air strike kills at least 22 in Omdurman

At least 22 people have lost their lives and scores were injured in an air raid in Sudan, the health ministry confirmed.

The air strike was conducted on Saturday in the residential city of Omdurman, which is about 15 kilometres away from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. It is one of the deadliest attacks yet in the conflict between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Force (RSF) which kicked off on April 15.

RSF blamed Sudan Army for Omdurman attack

The RSF released a lengthy statement on Twitter, in which they condemned the attack on civilians, which they said claimed the lives of 31 people. They blamed the attack on General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military commander who is the de-facto ruler of the Sudanese government.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vehemently condemn the deliberate airstrikes conducted by the extremist terrorist militia led by Al-Burhan, which occurred this Saturday morning and targeted innocent civilians in various residential areas of West Omdurman,” the RSF tweeted.

“This heinous attack, orchestrated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with the support of remnants from the former regime on the residents… has resulted in the tragic loss of over 31 lives and numerous civilian injuries.

“Furthermore, it has caused significant destruction to homes. This act represents a grave crime against humanity and a clear violation of our religious values, cultural norms, and international conventions.”

UN Secretary-General condemns Sudan air strike

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, released a statement in which he condemned the Omdurman attacks, and offered his condolences to the victims’ families.

“The Secretary-General condemns the air strike in Omdurman, Sudan, which reportedly killed at least 22 people today. He offers his condolences to the families of the victims and hopes for a speedy recovery to the dozens of people who were injured,” the statement read.

“The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned that the ongoing war between the armed forces has pushed Sudan to the brink of a full-scale civil war, potentially destabilising the entire region.”