Shelling by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces has killed six civilians in Omdurman. The army, aiming to reclaim territory, is nearing the presidential palace in Khartoum. The fighting, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, prompting severe humanitarian crises throughout the region.
In the ongoing conflict in Sudan, shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, in Omdurman, a city adjacent to Khartoum. Additionally, 36 civilians were reported wounded, according to a doctor from Al-Nao Hospital, with many injuries affecting children. The bombardments targeted residential neighborhoods, disrupting the lives of families and endangering children who were engaged in recreational activities.
Since the commencement of hostilities in April 2023, the army has intensified its efforts to reclaim lost territory in Khartoum and its surroundings from the RSF. Currently, army units are positioned less than a kilometer from the presidential palace, a stronghold taken by the RSF at the onset of the conflict. RSF commander, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has declared that they “will not leave the Republican Palace,” as violent clashes continue to engulf the capital.
Reports indicate that the conflict has led to significant human suffering, with tens of thousands dead, over 12 million people displaced, and the emergence of severe hunger crises. Within Khartoum, at least 3.5 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence, according to United Nations assessments. Further southwest, in El-Obeid, RSF shelling resulted in additional casualties, demonstrating the breadth of this conflict.
In light of these devastating effects, the military has made strategic advancements, breaking through an RSF siege in a critical region linking Khartoum to Darfur. This has sparked further displacement, with over 200,000 people currently uprooted in North Kordofan and a million facing acute food insecurity. Ongoing clashes in Blue Nile state have further exacerbated the situation, highlighting the widespread impact of this prolonged conflict.
Having dominated large parts of Darfur and southern Sudan, the RSF has faced counteroffensives from the army, which is reportedly nearing the recapture of the entire capital after months of conflict.
The conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, particularly in Khartoum and its surrounding areas, resulting in tragic civilian casualties and widespread displacement. The army’s recent advances suggest it is on the cusp of reclaiming full control of the capital. However, the humanitarian crisis remains dire, with millions affected by violence and food insecurity across the nation. As the conflict unfolds, the implications for civilian safety and regional stability will remain significant.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
