Zalingei, November 6 (Darfur24)
Several civilians and members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were killed and wounded on Wednesday following an airstrike targeting RSF positions and nearby areas in the city of Zalingei, Central Darfur, according to multiple sources.
A medical source at Zalingei Teaching Hospital, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said a drone launched five missiles at separate locations in the city, resulting in casualties among civilians and RSF personnel.
He claimed that the strike in the Kilo 2 area east of Zalingei left seven civilians injured, some in critical condition. They were transferred to Zalingei Hospital, while wounded RSF fighters were taken to Dr. Muawiya Clinic, and others were later evacuated to Nyala in South Darfur.
An eyewitness reported that another missile struck the local government compound in the central market, which is used as the office of the RSF commander in Central Darfur, Abdul Rahman Jumaa Baraka Allah. The attack reportedly killed 13 RSF soldiers, including Lt. Col. Fadl Al-Sayed Salik, commander of the military police in the state.
In a statement, the Rapid Support Forces accused unidentified foreign parties of launching the drones from outside Sudan, claiming the strikes targeted populated areas in Zalingei and Kabkabiya, and caused additional civilian casualties. The RSF asserted that it is monitoring what it described as “external interference” and said it reserves the right to respond.
Following the strike, residents reported that RSF personnel carried out a widespread arrest campaign inside Zalingei, detaining dozens of civilians.
Darfur24 was able to verify the detention of Nasr al-Din Muhammad al-Dum, apprehended while heading to Al-Hamidiya camp, and Muhammad Ali, 14, was detained in the livestock market after filming smoke from the strike.
Witnesses said the teenager was beaten before being transferred with others to Zalingei Central Prison.