An airstrike on a gold mine near the Sudan-Egypt border has reportedly killed 72 workers and injured several others. The human rights organisation Emergency Lawyers has accused the Egyptian Air Force of carrying out the attack. However, Egypt has not issued any official response to the allegations so far.
The strike reportedly took place on Saturday at Jabal al-Uqaydat, marking the second such attack on the area this year. In June, an airstrike allegedly killed 23 workers at the same location. At that time, Egypt’s military did not accept responsibility for the attack but stated that it had conducted a major operation against illegal gold mining within its territory.
Border Dispute and Gold Mining Tensions
Sudan and Egypt have a long-standing territorial dispute over the Hala’ib Triangle, a region believed to be rich in natural resources. The dispute has added to tensions surrounding access to mineral resources and gold mining activities near the border.
Egypt is also considered an important ally of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which have been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
According to Emergency Lawyers, the latest airstrike killed 72 mine workers, with several others sustaining injuries. The organisation alleged that the attack was part of an attempt to bring Sudan’s natural resources under Egyptian control. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Two workers who reportedly survived the bombing described the terrifying experience. According to their accounts, a warplane arrived at around 8 am on Saturday and carried out five attacks. Fearing further strikes, they fled towards the hills to escape the bombardment.
Conflict Deepens Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan has been facing a devastating conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The violence has triggered widespread displacement, civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Gold mining has become an important source of income for many people living in the affected areas. Repeated attacks on mining sites threaten workers’ lives and the livelihoods of families who depend on the industry.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns about civilian safety, cross-border tensions and the protection of workers in areas affected by conflict. Further details about the attack and the allegations against Egypt remain awaited.