(Kampala) – In a horrific incident that underscores the barbarity of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), an aerial bombardment targeting a school in the Nuba Mountains region resulted in the tragic deaths of 11 young pupils, two teachers and wounded 45 others. The attack, carried out by an Antonov plane belonging to the Sudanese Air Force, has sparked outrage and condemnation from local authorities.

On Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at 7:40 AM local time, the village of Hadra in Dalami County, situated in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, was rocked by a series of explosions as bombs were dropped indiscriminately by the Sudanese Air Force. The devastating assault claimed the lives of 11 innocent pupils and two dedicated teachers, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu and controlling the Nuba Mountains region, responded to the tragedy. On March 16th, 2024, the SPLM Secretary General’s office issued a press release providing details of the casualties and condemning the SAF’s ruthless actions. The press release included the names of the victims and images depicting the destruction caused by the bombardment.

The Nuba Mountains region has been the target of repeated attacks by the Sudan Armed Forces, with reports of civilian casualties mounting over time. The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) has consistently documented such atrocities and vehemently denounced the SAF’s disregard for international humanitarian law.

DNHR has called upon the international community to intervene urgently and hold the Sudanese authorities accountable for their actions. DNHR urges SAF to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law and cease its indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

The aerial bombardment of Hadra school in the Nuba Mountains serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence and hostility faced by Sudanese civilians, particularly in conflict-affected regions. As calls for justice and accountability grow louder, the international community is urged to take decisive action to prevent further loss of innocent lives and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Note: All images have been officially released by the SPLM-N Secretary General’s Office. The DNHR is utilising these images solely for the purpose of updates and advocacy.