Two airstrikes targeting the Jabalin hospital in White Nile state, located in central Sudan, resulted in the deaths of 7 individuals and injuries to 11 others, including a doctor and a nurse. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has sparked widespread outrage from the Sudanese government and local and international medical institutions.
According to the "Sudan Doctors Network," the bombing led to the deaths of 7 people, describing the incident as a "serious escalation" in attacks threatening the country's healthcare system. Eyewitnesses confirmed that a drone executed two strikes in quick succession, with the first directly targeting the hospital building, while the second occurred during the residents' attempts to rescue the victims, resulting in more casualties.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that among the deceased were 5 individuals from the same family, in addition to Mayor Ibrahim Hamid, a tribal leader in North Kordofan. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, labeling it a "treacherous terrorist attack," and pointed out that the "Rapid Support Forces" were responsible for the assault. The ministry emphasized that the attack represents a "flagrant violation of international laws and norms," resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries, including children and medical personnel, as well as extensive damage to the hospital and its equipment.
The ministry also noted that the bombing coincided with the launch of a campaign to vaccinate children inside the hospital, reflecting the attackers' intent to inflict maximum civilian casualties. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry called on the international community to condemn the incident and take urgent measures to stop the violations and hold those responsible accountable.
Background & Context
In contrast, the "Rapid Support Forces" denied any responsibility for the bombing of the Jabalin hospital, considering the accusations against them to be "false claims" aimed at tarnishing their image. They firmly rejected any attempts to involve them in what they described as "systematic disinformation campaigns," accusing the Sudanese army of attempting to divert attention from the violations it commits against civilians.
This attack comes about a week after accusations were directed at the Sudanese army for carrying out a drone strike targeting the hospital in the city of El Daein, the capital of East Darfur state, which resulted in the deaths of 64 individuals and injuries to dozens of civilians. The past months have witnessed an escalation in drone attacks between the Sudanese army and the "Rapid Support Forces," leading to hundreds of deaths and injuries, mostly among civilians.
Impact & Consequences
Political and civil forces consider the targeting of the Jabalin hospital to be a "heinous crime" added to the record of violations committed by warring parties against civilians and service facilities. The Civil Democratic Alliance of the Revolutionary Forces "Sumoud," which opposes the war, strongly condemned the attack, holding the "Rapid Support Forces" responsible.
The alliance, led by former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian facilities and a commitment to protecting civilians. They also urged both parties to the conflict, represented by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the "Rapid Support Forces," to urgently respond to proposals for a humanitarian ceasefire and to take serious steps towards a ceasefire and ending the war.
Regional Significance
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is worsening amid the ongoing armed conflict, increasing civilian suffering and threatening regional stability. Attacks on healthcare facilities reflect the deteriorating security situation in the country, necessitating international intervention to ensure the protection of civilians and provide necessary humanitarian aid.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan remains alarming, with rising calls to end violence and protect civilians amid ongoing violations that threaten the lives of many.