Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned a deadly attack in Sudan’s North Kordofan state that reportedly targeted a vehicle carrying displaced civilians, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a written statement released on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said it had learned “with deep sorrow” that many civilians were killed after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out an attack on a vehicle transporting internally displaced persons in the conflict-hit region.

The ministry described the incident as a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles governing the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts.

“This attack constitutes a blatant and grave violation of international humanitarian law with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the statement said.

Ankara strongly condemned all attacks targeting civilians and renewed its call for the safety of non-combatants amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The ministry also emphasized the need to ensure safe and unhindered passage for civilians, as well as the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to affected populations.

Sudan has been engulfed in violence since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, triggering one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Millions have been displaced by the conflict, while civilians continue to bear the brunt of ongoing hostilities.

Türkiye reiterated its position that international humanitarian law must be upheld and called on all parties to the conflict to take immediate steps to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. (ILKHA)