Deadly Shelling in Sudan Leaves 56 Dead and Hundreds Injured
At least 56 people were killed and 158 injured due to artillery and airstrikes on a market in Omdurman, Sudan, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has led to extensive casualties and a worsening humanitarian situation, with millions displaced and at risk of severe hunger across the country.
At least 56 individuals have been killed in a tragic incident involving artillery shelling and airstrikes on a vegetable market in Omdurman, Sudan. The Health Ministry reported that 158 others sustained injuries during the attack, which has been attributed to the paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This onslaught on civilians marks one of the latest instances of violence in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Khalid al-Aleisir, the Minister of Culture and government spokesperson, condemned the assault, highlighting that many of those killed and injured were women and children. He characterized the attack as a severe violation of international humanitarian law and called it a continuation of the militia’s violent record. Witnesses indicated that artillery strikes originated from an RSF-controlled area in western Omdurman and were aided by drone strikes, resulting in chaotic scenes in the market.
Local hospital staff expressed distress over the overwhelming number of casualties as the wounded continued to arrive. A volunteer at al-Nao Hospital reported a dire lack of resources, stating that they urgently needed blood donors, stretchers, and shrouds for the deceased. In another incident in Khartoum, two civilians lost their lives, and numerous others were injured due to an air assault on regions held by the RSF, as per the local Emergency Response Room.
Since April 2023, violence between the Sudanese army and RSF has escalated significantly, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing millions. The conflict originated from a disagreement over integrating the two forces. Just prior to the recent attack, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo pledged to reclaim parts of the capital from the army, further intensifying the confrontations.
Throughout Khartoum, the devastation has led to severe humanitarian crises, with approximately 3.6 million people fleeing the capital. Reports from the United Nations indicate that about 106,000 individuals are suffering from famine, while an additional 3.2 million are experiencing critical hunger levels due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating the urgent need for international attention and humanitarian assistance.
The conflict in Sudan has been characterized by violent confrontations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. This conflict began over issues related to the integration of military forces and has escalated drastically since April 2023, leading to mass casualties and displacements. Civilian areas, including markets, have witnessed tragic assaults, marking a dreadful deterioration of safety and stability in the country.
In summary, the recent attacks in Omdurman reflect the escalating violence in Sudan, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread condemnation. The RSF’s aggressive actions have drawn scrutiny for contravening international humanitarian laws, and the overall situation poses immense challenges for local healthcare systems and humanitarian efforts. The ongoing conflict necessitates urgent international attention to address the humanitarian crises faced by the Sudanese population.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
