Six Killed in Paramilitary Shelling in El-Obeid, Sudan

Sudanese paramilitary shelling in El-Obeid killed six people, including a child, and injured several others, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue their bombardment of the city. The RSF’s conflict with the army has resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises throughout Sudan, which has seen massive displacements and dire conditions.

On Friday, Sudanese paramilitary shelling in El-Obeid resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a child, according to a doctor. This incident follows the recent lifting of a prolonged siege by the army against this crucial southern city. El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, has experienced intense bombardment for over a week by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been in conflict with the army since April 2023.

A physician from the main hospital, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, reported that the shelling injured at least eight civilians during Thursday night and early Friday. Earlier in the week, nine civilians lost their lives, and 21 suffered injuries. The RSF has consistently bombarded El-Obeid in an attempt to regain territory lost to the army, launching assaults from the north and east.

Recently, Sudan’s military concluded a nearly two-year siege by the RSF on El-Obeid, an important junction connecting Khartoum to Darfur in the west. The ongoing conflict has fragmented Sudan, with the RSF consolidating control over Darfur and parts of the south, while the army governs the north and east. In recent weeks, the military gained significant ground in Khartoum and central Sudan.

The conflict originated as a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This battle has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of over 12 million individuals and pushing the country towards famine, which has tragically claimed tens of thousands of lives.

In summary, the situation in El-Obeid highlights the severe impact of ongoing hostilities in Sudan, marked by the relentless shelling by paramilitary forces resulting in civilian casualties and injuries. The internal conflict continues to devastate the nation, underscoring the humanitarian crises and the power struggle that have displaced millions and destabilized the country.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com