Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-04-02 20:02:21
On April 2, 2024, a drone strike targeted a Ramadan iftar gathering for members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade in Atbara, River Nile State in northern Sudan, resulting in the death of at least 12 people and injuring over 30 others. The Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, aligned with Islamists and former regime figures, is a prominent group fighting alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This attack was the first time the brigade has been targeted outside the capital, Khartoum.
Security sources revealed that the iftar invitation included battalion commanders from several Sudanese states. While Nile River state officials did not disclose specific details about the drone’s origin or the attackers’ identities, information obtained suggested that the drone originated from the Akkad area, located 11 kilometers south of Atbara. Eyewitnesses in Atbara stated that the bombing took place shortly after the breakfast ended, with government officials reportedly present at the event held in a central location near the main market and the Central Bank.
Concerns arose about the rising death toll due to the severity of injuries among those transferred to Atbara and police hospitals. Reports indicated that Al-Misbah Abu Zaid, commander of the Al-Baraa Battalion, was initially present inside the hall but left shortly before the incident. A video circulating on social media later showed him at a hospital, checking on the wounded.
The aftermath was grim, with charred bodies and injured victims. Residents near the blast site reported a loud explosion and damage to surrounding buildings, including the Omdurman National Bank. Security forces quickly deployed around the scene, cordoning off the Atbara market and deploying tanks and a significant military presence on the Umm Al-Tuyour bridge and the old bridge connecting Atbara to Al-Damer.
Eyewitnesses reported that military forces stopped vehicles from entering the city, requiring them to wait for permission to proceed. Subsequent reports indicated that security forces apprehended suspects in the Akkad area for questioning. Despite these developments, as of publication, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident in Atbara has raised concerns about the escalation of violence and instability in northern Sudan. The targeting of a prominent brigade outside the capital signifies a shift in tactics and potential future threats. The aftermath of the attack has left a scar on the community, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and authorities working to maintain security and investigate the incident further.
As investigations continue and tensions remain high, the people of Sudan await answers and justice for the victims of this tragic event. The drone strike on the Ramadan iftar gathering has left a lasting impact on Atbara, highlighting the fragility of peace and stability in the region.
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