A drone attack on a hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, killed at least 30 patients, with estimates of total casualties exceeding 70. This incident highlights the severe impact of ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF, which has led to widespread disruptions in healthcare services. The RSF has maintained a siege on the region, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as famine spreads.
A devastating drone strike on a hospital in el-Fasher, located in Sudan’s Darfur region, resulted in significant loss of life, with reports indicating that at least 30 patients died in the emergency department. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the Saudi Hospital was previously targeted by a drone operated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) weeks prior, raising concerns about ongoing attacks on medical facilities in the region. Governor Mini Minawi shared graphic images online, suggesting that the total fatalities could exceed 70, including vulnerable populations such as women and children.
Since April 2023, an intense conflict has been ongoing between Sudan’s army and RSF forces, with the latter controlling much of Darfur. The RSF has maintained a siege on el-Fasher since May, hampering efforts to stabilize the city against artillery attacks from army-backed militias. This chaotic situation has rendered approximately 80 percent of Sudan’s healthcare facilities inoperative, as reported by official sources.
As humanitarian crises exacerbate, famine has coincided with ongoing violence, particularly affecting displacement camps like Zamzam and Abu Shouk. A recent UN assessment predicts that famine conditions will spread to additional regions, including el-Fasher and the surrounding areas. This backdrop of war has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, pushing the majority of the population into hunger.
In the midst of these tragedies, the Sudanese army has claimed a recent victory in Khartoum by breaking an RSF siege on their headquarters. The military asserts that forces have successfully merged and expelled RSF from key territories, including the al-Jili oil refinery, a vital economic asset. However, the RSF has dismissed these claims as mere propaganda intended to uplift troop morale, labeling the assertions as fabricated.
The conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region has escalated dramatically since April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the national army and the RSF. As warfare ensued, vulnerable populations have been caught in the crossfire, with healthcare facilities increasingly targeted in this crisis. The el-Fasher region, particularly, has seen an increase in drone attacks, severely impacting the healthcare system and the safety of civilians. Reports indicate a catastrophic decline in medical services, with the Saudi Hospital being one of the last operational establishments as combatants vie for control over urban areas.
The recent drone attack on a hospital in el-Fasher underscores the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the residents of Darfur amidst ongoing armed conflict. With significant fatalities among patients and a precarious healthcare situation, international attention is urgently needed to address the escalating violence and its implications on human health and safety. Efforts to alleviate hunger and secure medical aid are critical as the war continues to ravage the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
