At least 72 gold miners died in air strikes on Saturday targeting a remote border region disputed by Sudan and Egypt, according to the Sudan-based group Emergency Lawyers. The attack took place in rugged terrain south of the Halayeb triangle, an area claimed by both nations and known for artisanal gold mining.
The human rights organization accused the Egyptian air force of conducting the strikes. Egypt has not commented on this specific incident but has acknowledged previous large-scale operations against illegal gold mining within its territory. Independent verification of the strike and casualties remains challenging due to the area’s remoteness.
Details on the Attack and Aftermath
The air strike targeted thousands of miners working at the site, according to a survivor who spoke to AFP. Victims reportedly fled in various directions, complicating casualty counts. The Sudan Doctors Network warned that fatalities could rise due to severe injuries and limited access to medical care in the region.
Strategic and Political Context
The Halayeb triangle lies east of the Nile River and has become a focal point amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict and its spillover effects. Egypt views the war between Sudan’s military junta and paramilitary forces as a security threat, partly because of the smuggling of gold. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have reportedly financed their operations through gold smuggling, with estimates suggesting that as much as 60% of unofficial Sudanese gold exports end up in Egypt.
Earlier this year, similar air strikes were followed by a security crackdown in the same border area, leading to arrests of miners and foreigners accused of illegal mining and smuggling.
Resource Control and Regional Tensions
The Emergency Lawyers group claims these repeated attacks reflect Egypt’s intent to extend control over Sudan’s mineral resources, a claim yet to be officially addressed. The Halayeb triangle’s mixture of mining, illicit trade, and human trafficking complicates governance and enforcement efforts in this contested territory.
