Shelling by Sudan’s RSF has resulted in civilian casualties in Omdurman as the army moves closer to the presidential palace in Khartoum. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has escalated recently, causing tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions. While the army aims to reclaim lost territory, humanitarian conditions worsen throughout the country.
In a troubling escalation of violence in Sudan, shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, in Omdurman, a city adjacent to Khartoum. The bombardment wounded another 36 individuals, half of whom were children, according to medical reports from Al-Nao Hospital. The attacks targeted residential neighborhoods, with civilians being struck inside their homes and children affected while playing on a football field.
The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has intensified recently as army forces strive to regain territory lost to the RSF, particularly in and around Khartoum. The army has indicated that its units are now located less than one kilometer from the presidential palace, a stronghold seized by the RSF at the onset of hostilities. In a recent video address, RSF commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo proclaimed that his troops “will not leave the Republican Palace.” Reports from the region describe thick smoke rising and ongoing gunfire and explosions throughout central Khartoum.
The humanitarian impact of this conflict has been devastating. It is estimated that tens of thousands have lost their lives, and more than 12 million have been displaced, contributing to a severe hunger crisis. In Khartoum alone, around 3.5 million individuals have been forced from their homes. Additionally, fresh violence was reported in the North Kordofan state capital of El-Obeid, where RSF shelling resulted in further civilian casualties and injuries.
The conflict’s effects extend beyond Khartoum, with over 200,000 people displaced in North Kordofan and nearly one million facing acute food insecurity. In other regions, particularly around Blue Nile state, clashes have continued with the RSF claiming to have incapacitated military resources and taken captives from the army and its allies.
The nearly two-year conflict has severely divided Sudan, with the RSF controlling significant territories in Darfur and the army maintaining authority over the northern and eastern regions. In recent months, the Sudanese army has made notable advances in central Sudan and Khartoum, nearing a potential reclaiming of the capital from RSF control.
The situation in Sudan remains dire with escalating violence and significant humanitarian challenges. The ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF shows no signs of abating, as both sides continue to vie for control. With the army making advancements toward reclaiming Khartoum, civilian casualties and displacements continue to rise, contributing to a growing crisis that necessitates urgent international attention and assistance.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
