Drone Attack Targets Sudan’s Military Chief Amid Ongoing Civil War; Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
August 1, 2024Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict for over a year, primarily between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group.
The civil war escalated in April 2023 due to tensions surrounding the integration of the RSF into the regular army, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
On July 31, 2024, a drone attack during a military graduation ceremony in Gebeit, eastern Sudan, killed at least five people and injured several others.
The attack targeted General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's military chief, who reportedly survived the assassination attempt and left the ceremony shortly after the incident.
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Hassan Ibrahim confirmed that General Burhan was unharmed, and the RSF has not claimed responsibility for the drone strike.
The Sudanese government has accused the RSF of being responsible for attacks on civilians and has called for international sanctions against them.
This assassination attempt comes shortly after RSF leader General Mohammed Hamdan Daglo expressed intentions to attend peace talks in Switzerland next month, facilitated by the US and Saudi Arabia.
Cameron Hudson, a former US envoy, noted the Sudanese military's unexpectedly positive response, suggesting a potential opening for preliminary talks.
Despite the Jeddah Declaration aiming to protect civilians and end the conflict, compliance from both sides has been lacking.
General Burhan has made it clear that he will not retreat or negotiate with any entity, indicating a commitment to continue the fight.
As the conflict continues, nearly ten million people have fled the country, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Jul 31, 2024
Drone Strike in Sudan Targets Army Leader in Failed Assassination Attempt, Military SaysBBC News • Jul 31, 2024
Sudan military chief Gen Burhan survives drone strike attack - armyABC News • Jul 31, 2024
Sudan's military says its top commander survived drone strike that killed 5