In brief
A drone attack on el-Daein Teaching Hospital in Sudan's East Darfur state resulted in the deaths of 64 individuals, including children and healthcare workers, during the Eid celebrations. The attack, attributed to the military by the paramilitary RSF, has prompted calls from the World Health Organization for an end to violence against medical facilities amidst ongoing civil conflict.
A drone strike during the Eid festival in Sudan has tragically resulted in the death of 64 people, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among the deceased are 13 children, two nurses, and a doctor, with 89 others sustaining serious injuries. The attack occurred at the el-Daein Teaching Hospital, a crucial medical facility in the city, which has now become non-operational due to the extensive damage sustained. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, condemned the attack, expressing concern over the targeting of healthcare facilities amid the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly three years. The ongoing civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, when a struggle for power erupted between the military and paramilitary forces, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with over 150,000 fatalities and millions displaced.The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claims the military is responsible for the drone strike, while the military denied these allegations and stated it follows international law in its operations. The RSF reported that the hospital's top floor has been completely destroyed, and medical equipment damaged beyond repair. Calls for an independent investigation into the attack have been made by local rights groups, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and an end to violence in Sudan. This incident has highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, where, amidst the ongoing conflict, civilians remain perpetually at risk, particularly during significant religious observances like Eid.
