At least 116 people, among them 46 children, were killed when Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a series of attacks on a kindergarten and multiple civilian sites in the Kalogi locality, local authorities said on Saturday.
The executive director of Kalogi reported that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the kindergarten being hit amidst ongoing conflict. The assault also targeted civilians who had gathered to assist victims, as well as the city’s hospital and government buildings.
Communication blackouts in the area have hampered efforts to confirm the full extent of casualties, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative for Sudan, condemned the attack, calling it a “horrific violation of children’s rights.” He emphasized that “children should never pay the price of conflict” and urged all parties to cease such attacks immediately and facilitate humanitarian access to those in need.
Initial reports from the Sudan Doctors Network indicated that nine people, including four children and two women, were killed in what they described as deliberate drone attacks carried out by the RSF in conjunction with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (al-Hilou).
The targets included the kindergarten and civilian facilities, highlighting the brutality of the ongoing violence.
The conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. International organizations call for urgent action to end the hostilities and protect innocent lives, especially children caught in the crossfire.