(Kampala) – In a devastating turn of events, the capital city of Ed Daein in East Darfur fell under an aerial bombardment on February 20 conducted by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), around midnight. The Al-Tadman and Al-Zariba neighbourhoods bore the brunt of the attack, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and injuries among the civilian population. 

The following individuals lost their lives during the merciless bombardment: 

1. Ahmed: Displaced from the Otash camp in South Darfur, Ahmed worked as a labourer in the Al-Zariba neighbourhood. 

2. Kowal: A South Sudanese refugee and daily wage worker in the Al-Zariba neighbourhood. 

3. Khaled Yahya Abkar is a 30-year-old resident of the Al-Zaribah neighbourhood who is employed in a brick factory. 

4. Mubarak is a worker living in the Al-Zariba neighbourhood. 
5. Issa Abdullah is a 31-year-old worker residing in the Al-Zaribah neighborhood. 

Numerous civilians in Al-Tadman and Al-Zariba neighbourhoods sustained injuries, with local sources suggesting higher numbers than officially confirmed due to communication challenges. 

The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) urgently appeals to both conflicting parties to abide by humanitarian laws, emphasising the need to prioritise protecting civilian lives. The indiscriminate attacks on residential areas not only claim innocent lives but also contribute to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. 

The recent aerial bombardment in Ed Daein underscores the pressing need for immediate attention to address the escalating violence and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected citizens. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by civilians in conflict zones, demanding swift action to bring an end to the suffering.