At least 72 Sudanese artisanal miners killed in strike, rights monitor says - Reuters

An airstrike in northern Sudan on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 72 artisanal miners, according to a rights monitoring group. The strike targeted a mining site where individuals were extracting minerals using small‑scale, informal methods.

The victims were identified as artisanal miners, a group that often works in remote areas without formal safety protections. The death toll of 72 represents a significant loss for the local community that depends on mining for livelihood.

The rights monitor Emergency Lawyers reported the casualties on Sunday, confirming the number of fatalities and describing the incident as an airstrike. The organization called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

This incident is the second airstrike affecting miners in Sudan within a few months, highlighting a pattern of violence against civilian mining operations in the region. Earlier incidents have also drawn concern from humanitarian groups.

Authorities have not yet provided a detailed explanation for the strike, and calls for accountability continue as the affected families and communities seek answers and assistance.