Human Rights Watch condemned an attack by the Sudan Shield Forces in Tayba, Al-Jazira state, which killed at least 26 civilians. Survivors reported deliberate targeting and racial slurs during the assault, which HRW deemed potential war crimes. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has caused massive displacement and violence, prompting calls for investigations and accountability from authorities.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused a Sudanese army-aligned force of attacking the village of Tayba in Al-Jazira state, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including a child. The organization reports that the Sudan Shield Forces intentionally targeted civilians during the January 10 attack, amidst escalating violence between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attack led to extensive property looting and house burnings.
According to HRW, the actions of the Sudan Shield Forces could be classified as war crimes and potential crimes against humanity due to the deliberate targeting of civilians. The commander of these forces, Abu Aqla Kaykal, previously defected from the RSF and has been connected to several atrocities against civilians. The intensified conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, displacing over 12 million people.
Survivors from Tayba described the attackers as members of Sudan’s ethnic Arab majority and claimed that racial slurs were shouted during the assault. HRW has called for urgent investigations by Sudanese authorities into these abuses and accountability for the commanders involved in the attacks. While the army disavowed involvement, attributing the assaults to “individual violations,” the RSF has faced allegations of ethnicity-based violence, contributing to widespread devastation across the region.
The continuing violence in Sudan raises alarms as both the army and RSF have been condemned for severe violations against civilians, with accusations of ethnic targeting prevalent in the conflict. United States officials have imposed sanctions on military leaders from both factions, amplifying demands for justice and protection of civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In summary, HRW has identified serious allegations against the Sudan Shield Forces for their violent attack on the village of Tayba, resulting in civilian deaths and destruction. The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to raise concerns about human rights violations perpetrated by both the army and RSF, necessitating urgent investigation and accountability measures. This situation represents a significant humanitarian crisis with far-reaching implications for the affected populations.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
