On May 20, 2021, an airstrike hit a residential area in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, killing 17 people, including five children. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, and witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing flames rising from the targeted area.
According to officials, the airstrike was carried out by an unknown aircraft, and the target was a weapons depot located in the densely populated neighborhood of al-Yarmouk. However, the attack missed its intended target and instead hit nearby homes, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The Sudanese government has condemned the attack and launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the government said that it “strongly condemns this cowardly act that targeted innocent civilians and calls on the international community to hold accountable those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The United Nations has also expressed its concern over the attack, with the UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Babacar Cissé, calling for an immediate investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable. “This attack is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned by all,” he said.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Sudan following a failed coup attempt earlier this year. The country has been in a state of political turmoil since the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, with the military and civilian leaders struggling to establish a stable government.
The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of civilians in conflict zones and the need for greater protection measures. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of civilian casualties in conflicts around the world, highlighting the urgent need for stronger international laws and regulations to protect innocent lives.
In conclusion, the airstrike in Khartoum that killed 17 people, including five children, is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations. The incident underscores the need for greater protection measures for civilians in conflict zones and for those responsible for such attacks to be held accountable. The international community must work together to ensure that innocent lives are not lost in the pursuit of political or military objectives.
