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Emergency Lawyers Condemn Attacks on Civilians in North Kordofan

Moatinoon
The Emergency Lawyers group has condemned attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians in the Al-Jamama area of North Kordofan.

In a statement issued today, the group said RSF forces committed violations against civilians on Tuesday in Al-Jamama, an area located west of North Kordofan State and northwest of the town of Bara.

According to the statement, the attack included assaults on civilians and residential homes, as well as widespread looting and vandalism targeting Al-Jamama market. Dozens of people were reportedly injured, while many families were forced to flee to nearby villages and other parts of North Kordofan.

The group noted that Al-Jamama is not an active battlefield and remains under RSF control, despite the recent escalation of fighting elsewhere in North Kordofan. It said the occurrence of such abuses in an area away from direct hostilities raises serious concerns over civilian protection and underscores the responsibility of the controlling force to safeguard residents, prevent looting and other security violations, and hold those responsible accountable.

Emergency Lawyers described the attacks on civilians and homes, the looting of markets, the destruction of civilian property, and the forced displacement of residents as serious violations of international humanitarian law. The group added that pillage is prohibited under international humanitarian law and, depending on the circumstances, may constitute a war crime requiring accountability.

The organisation called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians, independent and transparent investigations into the alleged abuses, accountability for those responsible, protection of civilians and their property, unhindered humanitarian access, and the safe return of displaced families to their communities.

On Tuesday, the group also reported that drones struck two civilian vehicles in separate incidents in North Kordofan State. It said one drone targeted a civilian vehicle in the village of Um Batitikhah, southwest of Um Sinta, destroying the vehicle and injuring one person. A second drone reportedly struck another civilian vehicle in the Al-Zaraf area, injuring two people.

The incidents come amid ongoing military operations in North Kordofan and an increase in attacks on civilian vehicles and transport used by local communities to move people, food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies, further worsening the humanitarian situation and increasing the risks facing civilians.

Emergency Lawyers condemned the continued targeting of civilian vehicles and civilian objects in North Kordofan, stressing that such attacks violate international humanitarian law. The group reiterated its call for independent and transparent investigations, accountability for those responsible, and stronger measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from the effects of the conflict.