Jakarta:Egyptian air force has attacked and killed at least 200 Sudanese miners, leaving a large number of wounded, in Sudan's North Al-Wadi area.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the airstrikes hit artisanal mining sites in the Shamal al-Wadi area of Sudan's northeastern Red Sea region on Saturday, October 10, as miners were preparing for work. Survivors reported that the strikes destroyed miners' shelters and hit excavation sites, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and workers trapped beneath collapsed ground.
The area is known for traditional mining operations where thousands depend on extracting gold and other minerals for their livelihoods. The remote and rugged terrain, combined with limited access to medical facilities, has exacerbated the challenges of rescuing survivors and treating the injured.
The reported attack has sparked outrage among Sudanese groups. The Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) condemned the Egyptian military action, labeling it a violation of Sudan's sovereignty and questioning Cairo's intentions concerning Sudan's natural resources. TASIS also criticized the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for their perceived complacency towards Egypt, particularly given Cairo's support for the authorities based in Port Sudan.
These allegations surface amid rising tensions over artisanal gold mining and border control. Sudan's gold sector is a crucial source of livelihood for millions, and the country's ongoing conflict has intensified competition over mineral wealth and trade routes.
