What Happened in Sudan? 13 Civilians Killed in RSF Shelling
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident, 13 innocent civilians lost their lives and 21 were injured in El Fasher due to artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces. This tragic event highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, as the city faces severe shortages of essential supplies and medical care amidst continuous violence. Can the international community intervene?
Key Takeaways
- 13 civilians killed in RSF artillery shelling.
- 21 others injured in the attack.
- Ongoing humanitarian crisis in El Fasher.
- Severe shortages of medical supplies reported.
- Call for humanitarian truce by volunteer groups.
Khartoum, June 28 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred as at least 13 civilians were killed and 21 others injured following artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, according to volunteer organizations.
The Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, reported that, "Thirteen individuals, including three children, lost their lives due to the intentional artillery attack by the RSF in El Fasher this Friday morning."
They continued, "The shelling and ongoing siege on the city directly impact thousands of children, women, and the elderly, blatantly disregarding international appeals for de-escalation and lifting the blockade." The group urged both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.
Additionally, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher indicated that the city experienced explosions and severe artillery fire by the RSF, which rattled residential areas.
The statement emphasized that the shelling caused the deaths of many unarmed civilians, including women and children, and left numerous others injured with varying degrees of severity, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Some of the injured were transported to the city’s main hospital, which is currently grappling with a severe lack of medicines and medical resources.
This shelling coincided with a phone call earlier on Friday between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, during which Al-Burhan consented to a UN-suggested one-week humanitarian ceasefire in the city.
Since May 2024, the RSF has imposed a blockade on El Fasher, characterized by daily shelling and intense urban conflicts involving both the RSF and the SAF, resulting in critical shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.
El Fasher acts as a significant administrative center for the Darfur region, remaining the only state capital in Darfur not under RSF control.
The city is home to around 1.5 million people, including 800,000 internally displaced individuals, with three camps for displaced persons, namely Abu Shouk, Zamzam, and Al-Salam, according to UN statistics.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a severe conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and driven millions from their homes, both within Sudan and beyond its borders.
Point of View
It is clear that the situation in Sudan requires urgent attention. The tragic loss of civilian life highlights the dire humanitarian crisis that has unfolded due to the conflict between the RSF and SAF. Continued violence only exacerbates the suffering of innocent people. It is imperative for both national and international entities to advocate for peace and support humanitarian efforts.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent shelling in El Fasher?
The shelling was caused by artillery fire from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting residential areas in El Fasher.
How many casualties were reported?
At least 13 civilians were killed and 21 others were injured as a result of the artillery shelling.
What is the current humanitarian situation in El Fasher?
El Fasher is experiencing critical shortages of essential goods and medical supplies due to ongoing violence and blockades.
What actions have been proposed to address the conflict?
Calls for a humanitarian truce have been made, urging both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF to cease hostilities.
What is the status of displaced individuals in El Fasher?
The city is home to around 1.5 million people, including 800,000 who are internally displaced, living in several camps.
