An airstrike in a disputed border area between Sudan, Egypt and Libya killed at least 13 artisanal gold miners and injured at least 28 others, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The strike occurred on Saturday, and its source had not been established when the Associated Press reported the incident on 11 October. The attack took place in a mountainous area where small-scale gold mining is widespread, adding to the dangers faced by people working far from established medical facilities.
A survivor described an aircraft striking the mining site and said that people were killed or wounded as others fled in fear of further attacks. The medical group warned that the death toll could rise because several injured people were in serious condition and access to treatment was limited. The location is especially difficult to monitor because the border region has been affected by insecurity and competing claims over territory.
Egyptian authorities had previously warned miners to leave the area, which is reported to be part of Egypt. The incident also highlights the connection between gold mining and Sudan’s wider conflict. Gold has become an important source of money for armed groups, including the Rapid Support Forces, which have been accused of smuggling resources from conflict-affected regions to finance their operations.
Authorities in Egypt have previously detained people accused of illegal mining and gold smuggling near the Sudanese border. Such activity can be difficult to control in remote areas, where mining provides income but also exposes workers to criminal networks and violence. The latest strike demonstrates how civilians can face serious risks even when they are not directly involved in fighting.
The attack adds to the humanitarian consequences of Sudan’s war, which has displaced communities and damaged access to basic services. More reliable security arrangements and access to medical care remain important for people living and working in border areas. Until the circumstances of the strike are established, responsibility remains uncertain, and the reported casualties may change as further information becomes available.
