A devastating drone strike by the Sudanese army on a traditional court session in the north of the Darfur region has left at least 35 people dead and dozens more injured, according to a local rights organisation.
The Emergency Lawyers Group, which monitors violence against civilians, reported that the attack occurred on Sunday afternoon in Ghara al-Zawiya village, which is controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The army has not commented on the incident, but the RSF holds most of Darfur, in the west of the country, as the two sides continue to fight in the three-year-long civil war that has devastated the country, killed tens of thousands of people, and forced millions from their homes.
Details of the Attack
A witness quoted by the AFP news agency described the scene as a court session being held under a tree with the participation of local community leaders.
Four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among those killed in the attack, according to the witness.
A local resident quoted by the privately owned Darfur 24 website reported that two drones flew over the town before launching more than four missiles.
Condemnation and Calls for Investigation
The Emergency Lawyers Group has condemned the targeting of the court, calling it a "grave violation of international humanitarian law."
The group also noted that drones are being increasingly used to target civilian areas and gatherings, which exacerbates the risks faced by the population.
The RSF has been accused of war crimes, including drone attacks on civilians, over the past three years.
A UN fact-finding mission last year described the RSF's siege and attack on el-Fasher, one of Darfur's main cities, as bearing the "hallmarks of genocide."
The RSF has denied the accusations.
The Emergency Lawyers Group has called for an investigation into the drone strike, highlighting the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Sources
This report was synthesised from the following coverage: