The United States strongly condemns in the strongest possible terms the aerial bombardment by the Sudan Armed Forces that occurred near the international border between Sudan and South Sudan, including reportedly the South Sudanese towns of Yafta and Bew Quaffa. Indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian targets always is unacceptable and unjustified.
The provocative aerial bombardments near the border increase the potential of direct confrontation between Sudan and South Sudan. This attack only further emphasizes the need for an immediate halt to indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas by the Sudan Armed Forces, and a resolution to the conflict through a resumption of political talks between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Northern Sector. We urge both sides to fully commit to the African Union High Level Implementation Panel talks facilitated by Thabo Mbeki.
