Continued airstrikes in East Jebel Marra

25/10/2012 23:57

The Sudanese Air Forces (SAF) allegedly bombed east Tabet, south Hashaba and East Jebel Marra in North Darfur on Wednesday afternoon October 24, witnesses told Radio Dabanga. Residents told Radio Dabanga that the bombing caused residents to flee, as many farms caught fire. The residents added that no casualties have been reported yet, but that the bombings sparked fear and panic among residents. The area of East Jebel Marra has been witnessing repetitive airstrikes during the past two months. Residents appealed to the international community to intervene and pressure the government to stop the airstrikes during the upcoming Eid al-Adha, so the people can celebrate and visit each other.Unknown viruses spreadingAt the same time, remains of the continuous airstrikes on East Jebel Marra of the past two months have led to the spread of unknown viruses. According to residents, the viruses cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in a number of cases, numbness in the eyes. It was added that mainly children, pregnant women and elderly suffer from the unknown viruses. Witnesses recounted to Radio Dabanga that remains of the bombings, fires, smoke fumes and gas have led to the spread of poison, and added that most of the victims are younger than five years old. According to the witnesses, more people are dying every day, which is a result of the government’s use of ‘illegal’ bombs in East Jebel Marra and surrounding areas. The witnesses confirmed that the constant bombardment of water sources has led to poisoning among residents. The nearest hospital for treatment and examination is in either El-Fasher or Tabet, however residents fear the presence of militias in those hospitals and avoid visiting these hospitals. On the same topic, residents of East Jebel Marra appealed to the UN Security Council and all human rights organizations to immediately intervene and conduct an independent investigation to examine the cause of the diseases and treat them before it is too late.In addition, they called upon the Red Cross and the World Health Organization and Medicines Sans Frontieres to visit East Jebel Marra immediately and verify the reported cases.

The Sudanese Air Forces (SAF) allegedly bombed east Tabet, south Hashaba and East Jebel Marra in North Darfur on Wednesday afternoon October 24, witnesses told Radio Dabanga.

Residents told Radio Dabanga that the bombing caused residents to flee, as many farms caught fire. The residents added that no casualties have been reported yet, but that the bombings sparked fear and panic among residents.

The area of East Jebel Marra has been witnessing repetitive airstrikes during the past two months. Residents appealed to the international community to intervene and pressure the government to stop the airstrikes during the upcoming Eid al-Adha, so the people can celebrate and visit each other.

Unknown viruses spreading

At the same time, remains of the continuous airstrikes on East Jebel Marra of the past two months have led to the spread of unknown viruses. According to residents, the viruses cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in a number of cases, numbness in the eyes. It was added that mainly children, pregnant women and elderly suffer from the unknown viruses.

Witnesses recounted to Radio Dabanga that remains of the bombings, fires, smoke fumes and gas have led to the spread of poison, and added that most of the victims are younger than five years old. According to the witnesses, more people are dying every day, which is a result of the government’s use of ‘illegal’ bombs in East Jebel Marra and surrounding areas.

The witnesses confirmed that the constant bombardment of water sources has led to poisoning among residents. The nearest hospital for treatment and examination is in either El-Fasher or Tabet, however residents fear the presence of militias in those hospitals and avoid visiting these hospitals.

On the same topic, residents of East Jebel Marra appealed to the UN Security Council and all human rights organizations to immediately intervene and conduct an independent investigation to examine the cause of the diseases and treat them before it is too late.

In addition, they called upon the Red Cross and the World Health Organization and Medicines Sans Frontieres to visit East Jebel Marra immediately and verify the reported cases.