A video has surfaced showing the aftermath of a cargo plane being shot down over North Darfur, believed to have been on a mission to deliver arms in violation of the United Nations arms embargo in the region. The wreckage of the Ilyushin 76 aircraft was scattered across the desert, with debris strewn across the sandy terrain.
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed responsibility for bringing down the plane, stating that it was suspected of breaching the UN arms embargo in Darfur. The RSF, a government-backed militia group, has been accused of numerous human rights abuses in the region, including allegations of targeting civilians and aiding the Sudanese government in its violent crackdown on rebels.
The video shows a group of armed men surveying the wreckage, with the RSF logo visible on their uniforms. It is unclear if there were any survivors from the crash, as no information has been released regarding casualties or the origin of the plane.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflicts and instability in Darfur, where various armed factions continue to engage in fighting and violence despite efforts to establish peace in the region. The Sudanese government has been criticized for its failure to uphold the UN arms embargo and for its use of militia groups like the RSF to suppress dissent and maintain control over the population.
As investigations into the cargo plane crash continue, questions remain about the extent of Sudan’s involvement in arms trafficking and the role of militia groups in perpetuating violence in Darfur. The international community must remain vigilant in holding those responsible for such violations to account and working towards a lasting peace in the region.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Sudan’s RSF claims to have shot down a cargo plane suspected of breaching UN arms embargo in Darfur” was uploaded on 10/23/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English