Thirty-five people were killed in a drone strike by the Sudanese army on a traditional court session in the north of the Darfur region, a local rights organisation has stated. Dozens more were reported injured in the attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon.
The Emergency Lawyers Group, which monitors violence against civilians, said the strike took place in Ghara al-Zawiya village, an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese army has not commented on the claims.
A witness quoted by the AFP news agency said the court session was being held under a tree with local community leaders participating. According to the witness, four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among the fatalities.
The Emergency Lawyers Group has called for an investigation into the drone strike, condemning the targeting of the court as a "grave violation of international humanitarian law." The group also noted an increasing use of drones to target civilian areas and gatherings.