All articles tagged with #civilian killings
The leader of Sudan's RSF has promised an investigation into violations during the capture of el-Fasher amid reports of mass killings and international outrage, highlighting ongoing violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Survivors of a massacre in a central Burkina Faso village detailed the horrifying attack by security forces, which left more than a dozen relatives dead. The increase in civilian killings by Burkina Faso’s security forces is occurring as the junta struggles to combat a growing jihadi insurgency. The government has been urged to conduct an independent investigation into the attack, but survivors fear retaliation and lack confidence in the authorities. The junta, which seized power in a coup, has been accused of carrying out attacks against civilians and has formed alliances with other military juntas while distancing itself from Western nations. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing severe hunger, and aid efforts hindered by the insecurity.
Pope Francis condemned the reported killing of two Christian women by the Israeli military in a church complex in Gaza, suggesting that Israel was using "terrorism" tactics. The Pope referred to a statement by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which said that the women were killed by an IDF sniper as they walked to a convent. The Patriarchate also reported that seven others were shot and wounded while trying to protect others. The Pope criticized the targeting of unarmed civilians, including families, children, and nuns, and referred to the incident as "war" and "terrorism." The Israeli military stated that the incident was under review and reiterated that it only targets terrorists and infrastructure, not civilians. This is the second time in less than a month that Pope Francis has used the term "terrorism" to describe events in Gaza.
At least 33 soldiers were killed and 12 others wounded in an attack on a military base in eastern Burkina Faso. The soldiers killed at least 40 "terrorists" before reinforcements arrived. Burkina Faso's armed forces have been battling rebels since 2015, resulting in the deaths of over 10,000 civilians and members of the security forces. The country has seen a surge in violence since the start of the year, with attacks on security forces and civilians inflicting hundreds of deaths. The government has also been accused of indiscriminately killing civilians during anti-insurgency missions.