Airstrike on gold mine near Sudan kills at least thirteen
Early reports differ over the perpetrators and the precise death toll.
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At least thirteen miners were killed in an airstrike on a small-scale gold mine in the border area between Sudan and Egypt, according to a medical organisation. A Sudanese human rights organisation put the toll at at least 72, but that higher estimate has not been independently confirmed.
The attack took place on Saturday in a remote border area where Sudan, Egypt and Libya come close together, according to reporting by Associated Press. The Sudan Doctors Network also reported 28 people injured. The distance from medical facilities and the ongoing war in Sudan are hampering relief efforts.
The figures remain uncertain. Associated Press based the lowest confirmed number on information from the Sudan Doctors Network. The human rights organisation Emergency Lawyers later reported that at least 72 people had been killed. Reuters could not independently verify that report and described the estimate as preliminary.
Responsibility for the attack is also unclear. Emergency Lawyers accused the Egyptian air force, but Reuters could not verify that claim. According to Reuters, the Egyptian military and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not responded immediately. A survivor told AP that an unidentified aircraft had attacked the mine.
The border area is politically sensitive. Egypt has previously said that parts of the mining sites lie within its territory and has taken action there against illegal gold mining and smuggling. Sudan and Egypt also lay claim to parts of the border area. As a result, it is uncertain not only who carried out the attack, but also how the location should be legally designated.
Gold mining is an important source of income in Sudan's war. AP refers to a 2024 report by a UN panel stating that more than half of the gold mined in Sudan is smuggled out of the country. The commodity is therefore linked to informal economies and the financing of armed groups.
Without access to the mine and an independent investigation, it is too early to establish a definitive death toll or legal classification. It is clear, however, that civilians and miners have been affected in an area where border conflict, smuggling and Sudan's civil war converge. New medical reports or statements from the governments involved could still change the picture.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- An airstrike took place on 10 October near a gold mine in the border area between Sudan and Egypt.
- Several death tolls have been reported, but none has yet been independently confirmed.
- Responsibility for the attack has not been established.
Left
Arguments The protection of civilians must come first, regardless of border claims or the illegality of mining. There is a need for an independent investigation and international accountability.
Values Human rights, international law and the protection of vulnerable migrant workers.
Consequences Greater international pressure and assistance could protect civilians, but could increase tensions with Egypt and the warring parties.
Centre
Arguments The death toll, location and responsible party must first be established. After that, border agreements and joint action against smuggling are needed.
Values Factual accuracy, the rule of law and regional stability.
Consequences An independent investigative process could prevent escalation, but it takes time while relief efforts are already under pressure.
Right
Arguments States have the right to protect their borders and resources against illegal mining and smuggling. That right does not, however, automatically justify an attack on civilians.
Values National sovereignty, order and control over natural resources.
Consequences Stricter border controls could limit smuggling, but militarisation of the area could put miners at further risk.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text accurately reflects the contradictory initial reports and makes clear which information has not been independently confirmed. Responsibility for the attack is not presented as fact.
- confirmed At least thirteen miners were killed and 28 people injured in the attack, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. — Reported by AP on the basis of the Sudan Doctors Network. source
- confirmed Emergency Lawyers reported at least 72 deaths. — Reuters reported this preliminary estimate. source
- uncertain The Egyptian air force was responsible for the attack. — The accusation has not been independently verified, and Egypt did not respond immediately. source
Editor's note
The attack has been reported recently, but the death toll and responsibility remain uncertain. Several estimates are therefore presented side by side, and no perpetrator is identified as established fact.Sources
- A deadly airstrike hits a Sudan-Egypt border gold mine, killing at least 13 miners — The Associated Press
- At least 72 Sudanese artisanal miners killed in strike, rights monitor says — Reuters via StreetInsider
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „sudan egypte”
- RTL Nieuws — „sudan egypte”
- NOS — „sudan egypte”