( CNN ) -- The United States accused Sudan of targeting civilians in recent airstrikes , including one that destroyed a Bible school in South Kordofan , an oil-rich Sudanese province that borders the newly-created independent country of South Sudan . `` The United States strongly condemns the bombing by the Sudanese Armed Forces of civilian populations in Southern Kordofan , '' a White House statement said . `` Aerial attacks on civilian targets are unjustified and unacceptable . Such attacks are a violation of international law and compound the ongoing crisis in these areas . '' The Sudanese government could not be immediately reached for comment , but has said in the past that it is targeting rebels in the area . At least eight bombs were dropped in the area near the Bible school Wednesday during the school 's first day of classes , according to a statement by Samaritan 's Purse , American evangelist Franklin Graham 's Christian humanitarian group , which supports the school . Two bombs landed inside the compound -- located in the region 's Nuba Mountains -- destroying two Bible college buildings and igniting grass fires across the area , the group said in a statement . No injuries were reported . `` It was a miracle that no one was injured , '' the statement added . More than 78,000 people have fled South Kordofan and Blue Nile states since August last year after an armed rebellion took root , the United Nations reported . The Sudanese government is thought to have responded to the rebellion by conducting sustained air raids with the use of Russian-made Antonov bombers , which have raised concerns over civilian casualties . Decades of civil war between the north and south , costing as many as 2 million lives , formally ended with a U.S.-brokered peace treaty in 2005 . But before South Sudan gained independence in July of last year , human rights monitors expressed concerns that longstanding grievances could again lead to violence consuming the region . In November , there were several days of bombings near an entry point for refugees at the border , the United Nations reported . It did not specify who launched the bombs . The White House statement , release Thursday , urged for officials to find others ways to settle the conflict . `` We believe that this conflict can only be resolved by dialogue , not through violence , and we encourage all parties to negotiate a peaceful settlement , '' statement said .
Rev . Franklin Graham 's group , Samaritan 's Purse , supports the school . Comment: Two bombs landed inside the compound , but no injuries were reported . `` Aerial attacks on civilian targets are unjustified , '' White House says .