In brief
At least 72 unarmed gold prospectors were fatally hit by jets over the River Nile state in Sudan, a rights group says. Egypt’s border forces have repeatedly targeted artisanal mining sites, citing illegal smuggling and security threats, but officials have not commented on the latest strike. The attack began early Saturday, with missiles detonating near camps full of miners. The incident raises questions about sovereign control, the safety of civilians in war zones, and the impact of illicit gold trade on regional stability.
Massive loss of life – Right‑called Emergency Lawyers reports that at least 72 people were killed in an airstrike that hit gold‑searching camps on the Sudan‑Egypt border.
Egypt’s and Sudan’s leaders have not yet given statements. The event follows a series of earlier strikes blamed on Egyptian border guards, which included firing live rounds and setting temporary shelters ablaze.
Armed civilians have been mining for gold in the River Nile region after Sudan’s civil war increased demand for quick profits from the earth’s resources. The ore is often sold to merchants who smuggle it across porous borders, feeding rival factions and fueling local economies.
Emergency Lawyers calls the attacks a violation of international humanitarian law, calling them “possible war crimes.” The death toll could grow as more survivors report injuries.
Egypt’s military has declared a sweeping security sweep aimed at stopping illegal migration, drug trafficking and illicit mining, while Sudan’s de‑facto leader announced an investigation into these strikes.
If you want a deeper dive into the conflict and the future of mining on this border, tap the link to a detailed guide in our app.
