Rebel faction in Sudan attacks Kadugli, causing civilian casualties

(MENAFN) At least 44 civilians were killed and 28 others injured in an artillery attack on Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state in southern Sudan. The attack was carried out by a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. The SPLM-N has been in conflict with the Sudanese army in South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions since 2011, seeking special status for these areas.

According to Sudanese government sources, the SPLM-N forces shelled Kadugli early on Monday, causing casualties among the civilian population, including women and children. Among the victims was Imam Nizar Mohamed Tom, a prominent preacher at the Kadugli Old Mosque. The attack has been condemned by local authorities, with South Kordofan's Governor Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel Karim calling it "a brutal aggression against civilians."

The Sudanese military responded swiftly, inflicting heavy losses on the SPLM-N rebels in terms of personnel, vehicles, and equipment. Sudanese military commander Faisal Mukhtar confirmed that the army had regained control of the situation in Kadugli, capturing weapons and ammunition from the rebels. The SPLM-N has not yet issued a statement regarding the attack.

This escalation comes amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The war has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced nearly 14 million people, according to the UN and Sudanese authorities, though other reports suggest the death toll could be as high as 130,000.

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