A drone strike on a hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, killed at least 30 patients, with reports suggesting the death toll may exceed 70. The attack occurred amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises in the region, including famine and displacement. The situation highlights the urgent need for healthcare access during wartime.
A drone strike on a hospital in el-Fasher, Darfur, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 30 patients. The attack, which took place on a Friday, devastated one of the few remaining operational healthcare facilities in the region. Regional officials reported that more than 70 individuals, including women and children, may have lost their lives due to this assault.
The Sudanese army has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and territorial disputes. The RSF has essentially surrounded el-Fasher while the army, supported by allied militias, attempts to maintain control over the city. Recent months have seen a surge in violence targeted at healthcare facilities, with many becoming unserviceable across the region.
As a result of the sustained conflict, humanitarian conditions have severely deteriorated. Health organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, indicate that the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher is among the last remaining options for surgical care in the area. The extensive conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with famine conditions already reported in several displacement camps and the situation expected to worsen in the coming months.
The attack coincided with claims from the Sudanese military of a strategic victory against RSF forces in Khartoum. The military announced that they had successfully merged troops stationed in the surrounding areas with those at their main headquarters, although the RSF has dismissed these claims as propaganda. This current conflict has led to untold suffering, displacing millions and plunging many into a state of food insecurity.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has intensified since April 2023, revolves around power struggles between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The RSF has seized control of significant territories including large portions of Darfur, leading to disastrous humanitarian outcomes. The situation in el-Fasher is particularly dire due to repeated assaults on healthcare facilities, severely limiting access to medical assistance amid widespread violence. Reports indicate that the RSF has besieged el-Fasher while facing counter-offensive actions from the Sudanese army. This conflict has not only heightened violence but has also led to a humanitarian crisis, catalyzing famine and mass displacement. Understanding this context is critical to grasping the implications of the recent drone attack on the hospital.
The drone attack on a hospital in el-Fasher underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Targeting healthcare facilities during wartime reflects a disturbing trend in the region, exacerbating an already critical situation for civilians. The suffering endured by the population, particularly patients and families in the hospital, exemplifies the urgent need for international attention and intervention regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
