A Sudanese military transport aircraft crashed into a crowded residential area near Wadi Seidna air base, killing 46 and injuring 10. The plane was allegedly heading to Port Sudan, and while reports suggest it may have carried military officials, this has not been confirmed. The incident is set against ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, contributing to widespread humanitarian crises and allegations of human rights abuses.
A military transport plane belonging to Sudan’s armed forces crashed on Tuesday night into a residential area close to the Wadi Seidna air base, resulting in 46 fatalities and 10 injuries, according to reports by the news agency AFP. This air base is recognized as one of the military’s major hubs located in Omdurman, just northwest of the capital, Khartoum.
Local media outlets reported that the aircraft was en route to Port Sudan, a strategic city and the seat of the military-backed government. Although there are claims that the plane was carrying senior military personnel, the military has yet to substantiate these reports. The Khartoum regional government confirmed the death toll through their media office, emphasizing the tragedy’s impact on the civilian population.
Emergency services quickly responded to the incident, treating injured civilians, including children, at a local hospital. Witness accounts described the incident as a loud explosion, with thick smoke rising and significant damage to multiple residences, as well as power outages affecting the area. A military source speculated that a technical malfunction may have led to the crash.
This tragic event unfolds against the backdrop of a civil war in Sudan, primarily between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which escalated in 2023, primarily affects urban regions, with the RSF claiming to have shot down a military aircraft in Nyala city a day before this crash. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in severe humanitarian issues, including widespread allegations of human rights violations in regions like Darfur.
The crash of the Sudanese military aircraft has led to significant loss of life and injuries, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis amid the civil war. With conflicting reports about the aircraft’s purpose and payload, the event highlights the dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones. The military’s operational challenges, combined with the existing tensions with the RSF, continue to exacerbate the situation in Sudan, which has severe implications for stability and civilian safety.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
