Sudan army denies livestock market strike as death toll mounts

Sudan's armed forces said they conducted a precision airstrike against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) installations in South Darfur state, part of ongoing military operations against the paramilitary group. The army maintained the strike targeted military objectives in the region where fighting has intensified in recent months.

However, the RSF countered that the airstrike struck a livestock market in a populated area, resulting in civilian casualties. The group did not provide a specific death toll but suggested the strike was indiscriminate and violated humanitarian principles.

The competing claims reflect the broader pattern of accusations and counter-accusations between Sudan's regular army and the RSF throughout their conflict, which has displaced millions and created a severe humanitarian crisis. Independent verification of strike locations and casualties has proven difficult due to ongoing insecurity and restricted access to conflict zones.

South Darfur remains a flashpoint in the larger war that began in April 2023, with both sides accused by human rights organizations of targeting civilian infrastructure. The livestock market incident, if confirmed, would add to the mounting toll of civilian harm attributed to all parties in the conflict.