UAV event in Sudan on Mon 16th December 2024

Sudan military drone strike kills 15 civilians on closed highway – lawyers December 16, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – A Sudanese military drone strike killed 15 civilians travelling in a dairy transport vehicle on a closed highway, lawyers said on Monday, the latest incident highlighting the dangers faced by civilians in the country’s ongoing conflict. The attack occurred on Saturday on the “Omdurman-Bara” road linking Khartoum and North Kordofan states, a route shut down by the government in April after fighting erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The road, also known as the “export road,” was closed amid accusations the RSF was using it to transport looted goods and fighters. The army had warned that any movement on the road would be considered a military target.

“A dairy transport vehicle was subjected to a deadly attack … resulting in 15 deaths and six injuries, while two people are still missing,” the Emergency Lawyers group said in a statement.

The statement said the vehicle was carrying milk from surrounding villages to the Al-Muweilih market west of Omdurman when it broke down. It was then targeted by a military drone despite its civilian nature, according to eyewitness accounts and local reports.

“Preliminary evidence suggests the victims were solely herders and dairy workers, making this a direct attack against civilians,” the statement said.

The incident underscores the growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where the conflict has displaced millions and caused widespread food shortages.