A Sudanese military plane crashed into a residential area in Omdurman, near Khartoum, on Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 people and injuring 10 others, according to state media.  

The Russian-built Antonov aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Wadi Seidna air base, causing significant damage to homes in the neighborhood. Military sources suggested a technical malfunction as a possible cause of the crash, which is currently under investigation.  

Among the victims were military officers, including a senior army commander, and civilians. Witnesses reported a loud explosion as the plane impacted the ground, damaging homes and causing power outages. Emergency teams transported injured civilians, including children, to a local hospital.  

The crash occurred amidst an ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The RSF had claimed to have shot down a fighter jet in South Darfur a day prior, but no connection to the Omdurman crash has been confirmed.  

The incident adds to the growing devastation in Sudan, where the conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people. Cities like Khartoum and Omdurman have suffered extensive damage. The army recently regained control of certain areas in the capital region, while the RSF maintains control over much of Darfur and southern territories. The plane crash highlights the severe human cost of the conflict, extending beyond the immediate battle zones. (ILKHA)