Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on Airstrike by Sudanese Armed Forces in Saraf Omra, North Darfur State – El Fasher
Date: November 14 2024
Saraf Omra, located in North Darfur State and second in population size only to El Fasher, has approximately 200,000 residents. Known for its rich resources in livestock, agriculture, and thriving trade, the locality has also become a primary refuge for displaced persons from areas such as Geneina, Nyala, El Fasher, and Zalingei. The local market is essential for civilians to meet their basic needs.
The Darfur Victims Support Organization conducted interviews with six families of victims and eyewitnesses. They reported that Sudanese Armed Forces’ aircraft bombed Saraf Omra with two explosive barrels on November 10, 2024, at approximately 2:45 PM Sudan time. The bombardment focused on the southwest area of the livestock market, which was crowded with civilians, and a second strike occurred near Saraf Omra Hospital, causing shrapnel to strike the hospital’s operating room and other departments, resulting in significant damage, including a collapsed roof.
This incident marks the second airstrike on the city since October 2024, leading to the complete closure of the market during the attack, which was densely populated at the time, causing multiple civilian casualties. According to interviews with victims’ families and eyewitnesses, there was no military activity in the area; all present at the market were civilians gathering essential goods. The bombing resulted in 15 civilian casualties, both killed and injured.
Casualties:
1. Mudathir Abdullah Bishr, 31, resident of Al-Amara neighborhood, occupation: Teacher.
2. Faisal Ashar Bishr, 33, resident of Al-Amara neighborhood.
3. Mohammed Faisal Bishr, 27, resident of Al-Amara neighborhood.
4. Jamal Abdullah Mohammed, 34, occupation: Teacher, resident of Al-Amara neighborhood.
5. Habib Ishaq, 25, occupation: Pharmacist.
6. Samaher Mohammed Awad.
7. Abdullah Yahya.
8. Halom Omda.
9. Mohammed Adam Dango.
10. Samia Mohammed Maki.
11. Ishaq.
12. Saeed.
Injured:
13. Ali Adam Abbas Al-Qalb Qusari.
14. Mohammed Al-Rais Ibrahim.
15. Bakheet Ibrahim Al-Rais.
16. Sayer Othman Saeed Dango.
Recommendations:
1. The organization urgently calls for a no-fly zone over Darfur to protect civilians from military crimes committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces under the command of al-Burhan.
2. The organization appeals to the United Nations Security Council, particularly the United Kingdom, which presides over the Security Council in November 2024, to adopt a resolution to end hostilities in Sudan.
3. The organization requests the International Criminal Court and the Fact-Finding Committee to establish a commission to investigate the air force’s violations against civilians.
4. The organization holds General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan fully accountable for the killing and displacement of civilians.
5. The organization urges all parties to the conflict, including the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to cease hostilities immediately and engage in direct negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Conclusion:
This report serves as a tragic record of yet another war crime added to the long list of violations endured by civilians in Darfur. The Sudanese Air Force has become a tool of oppression, contravening international humanitarian laws by targeting civilians and essential infrastructure. The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect civilians from these indiscriminate attacks, hold the responsible parties accountable, and enforce a no-fly zone in Darfur. These atrocities must come to an end, granting civilians their fundamental right to a safe life, free from the horrors of armed conflict, in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.
