Airstrikes force IDPs to flee shelters in Darfur

Activists and humanitarian workers reported that airstrikes carried out by the Military on the town of Mellit, located (65) kilometers north of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, have displaced dozens of families, especially IDPs living in shelters.

Activist Yassin Ibrahim from Mellit shared that the town weathers at least four airstrikes on a weekly basis, resulting in numerous casualties. He confirmed that the air sorties have forced a significant number of families and IDPs from various cities in the Darfur region to vacate the shelters in Mellit.

For his part, a worker from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed to (Darfur24) that a number of displaced families from Mellit have arrived in Tawila locality via the area of Korma, as a result of the ongoing airstrikes carried out by the Air Force.

Officials reiterated that women, children and people with disabilities are the most affected in cases of forced displacement, as they face great difficulties when it comes to moving. The officials expressed deep concern for dozens of children who lost their families or companions, which in turn exacerbates their suffering amidst such difficult circumstances.

Some displaced families from the town of Mellit expressed concern after arriving at Zamzam Camp for displaced persons west of El-Fasher, in regards to the possibility of returning to their areas of origin, especially in light of the risks associated with the road linking Korma and Tawila. These concerns reflect the deteriorating security situation in the area.

Following the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the twon of Mellit has housed thousands of displaced persons coming from Khartoum, El-Obeid and other cities in the Darfur region. Most of these displaced persons have settled in schools, while others sought shelter with local families, reflecting the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the area.