HUDO Centre reports a rising death toll to 70 from a February bombing in Kadugli, South Kordofan, with most victims being women and children. Health services have collapsed, leading to preventable deaths due to a lack of medical resources. The ongoing conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO Centre) reported a rise in the death toll to 70 following a bombing in South Kordofan, primarily affecting women and girls. This incident occurred on February 3 in Kadugli, attributed to artillery bombardment linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N El Hilu) in retaliation to an attack by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Initially, 44 fatalities and numerous injuries were recorded after the bombardment, which the SPLM-N El Hilu denied, instead accusing the SAF of aggression.
HUDO’s report highlights the collapse of health services in Kadugli, exacerbating the casualties. The SAF reportedly engaged SPLM-N positions early in the morning and later faced counterattacks during a march that included many civilians. Tragically, one artillery strike hit near Kadugli church, killing 44 instantly and injuring 48 others, all of whom were civilians.
Further bombardments resulted in varying damages, including one fatality in the Umbatah neighborhood and damage to an empty house in El Souk neighborhood. As of February 4, the death toll rose to 54, primarily due to a lack of medical supplies and resources at local hospitals. The deteriorating healthcare system has particularly affected younger patients, with 14 individuals under the age of 20 currently admitted for serious injuries.
According to HUDO, 60 of the deceased were women, with a shocking 51 individuals under 18, including five children younger than five. The closure of key medical units for over five months severely impacted patients in renal failure, resulting in additional deaths due to lack of necessary treatment. The ongoing siege of Kadugli has limited travel options, forcing many patients to undertake costly journeys to access healthcare.
In summary, the bombing in South Kordofan has tragically resulted in a high death toll primarily among women and children, with significant casualties linked to the health system’s collapse. The humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and lack of medical resources has raised urgent concerns for the local population. The challenges of accessing healthcare continue to threaten lives as the conflict endures.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
