32 Civilians Lose Lives in RSF Assault on El Fasher, Sudan: Military
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Synopsis
A brutal assault by the RSF in El Fasher, North Darfur State, led to the deaths of 32 civilians, including women and children. The ongoing conflict has escalated, raising concerns over civilian safety in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 32 civilians killed in RSF attack.
- Attack included suicide drones and artillery.
- Fatalities included 4 women and 10 children.
- RSF confirmed to have targeted Zamzam displacement camp.
- Conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023.
Khartoum, April 12 (NationPress) A tragic event unfolded as at least 32 civilians were reported dead following an assault by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State, according to the Sudanese army.
The militia launched a barrage of suicide drones on El Fasher today (Friday), accompanied by simultaneous artillery shelling across the city, the command of the 6th Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) stated.
The fatalities included 4 women and 10 children, with an additional 17 individuals injured and subsequently hospitalized, reported the army.
The Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a local volunteer organization, verified the RSF assault, noting that drones and artillery specifically targeted the northern and eastern sectors of the city. The group urged residents to stay away from the streets due to ongoing drone operations.
The Sudanese Doctors Network reported a second RSF strike on the Zamzam displacement camp near El Fasher, although no casualties have been confirmed. The network condemned the use of heavy artillery in this attack, labeling it as an escalation of RSF violence.
Ibrahim Khatir, the director-general of North Darfur State's Health Ministry, corroborated the attack on the Zamzam camp, but mentioned to Xinhua that the casualty figures remain uncertain due to the camp's distance from the city and ongoing communication challenges, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Since May 10, 2024, intense clashes have erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF in El Fasher, part of the broader conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023.
The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, as cited by the United Nations, indicates that the conflict between these two factions has resulted in over 29,683 fatalities. The International Organisation for Migration also reports that more than 15 million individuals have been displaced.
Previously, RSF fighters attacked the Zamzam displacement camp near El Fasher, resulting in 25 civilian deaths, which included women, children, and elderly residents, according to local committee reports.
Zamzam, along with other densely populated camps for the displaced around El Fasher, has faced significant suffering during nearly two years of ongoing conflict.
