Sudanese officials have ordered an investigation into an airstrike that killed at least 72 miners in northern Sudan, near the border with Egypt. The incident, described by Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan as a “painful incident,” occurred after a regional rights group reported the casualties. The group said the victims were artisanal miners prospecting for gold in a disputed area.
The Transitional Sovereignty Council, led by Burhan, announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident. The committee includes prosecutors, judicial officials, and security representatives. The Sudanese military has not yet confirmed responsibility for the strike.
Multiple reports from regional rights groups and news outlets indicate that the airstrike was blamed on Egypt’s air force. However, the claim remains unverified. The victims were described as civilians engaged in illegal gold mining. The area is known for its disputed status between Sudan and Egypt.
This incident follows a pattern of cross-border tensions in the region. Previous clashes have involved both countries, with disputes over territory and resource rights. The current situation highlights the ongoing instability in the border region, where illegal mining and territorial claims have led to frequent conflicts.
The Sudanese government has called for an independent investigation, while Egypt has not yet commented publicly on the incident. The deaths have raised concerns about the safety of civilians in conflict zones and the need for clearer lines of responsibility in cross-border military actions.
