Sudan Paramilitary Attack Kills 53 in Darfur Shelter, Including Women and Children
At least 53 people, including 14 children and 15 women, were killed in a shelling and drone attack by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a shelter for displaced families in el-Fasher, Darfur. The attack, described by rights groups as one of the most atrocious massacres in the ongoing conflict, targeted al-Arqam Home shelter located at Omdurman Islamic University. This latest violence continues the devastating pattern of civilian targeting in Sudan's more than two-year war that has displaced millions and pushed parts of the country into famine.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan reached another tragic milestone as paramilitary forces targeted a civilian shelter in Darfur, resulting in one of the deadliest single attacks in recent months. The shelling and drone attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a displaced persons shelter in el-Fasher has drawn international condemnation and highlights the escalating violence against civilians in the region.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
According to the Sudan Doctors' Network, the attack occurred late Friday on al-Arqam Home, a shelter for displaced families located at the Omdurman Islamic University in el-Fasher. The medical professionals' group reported that at least 53 people lost their lives, including 14 children and 15 women. The assault also left 21 people wounded, with most suffering serious injuries. The attack represents what medical groups describe as a continuation of the scorched-earth policy practiced by the RSF against civilians.
Context of the Darfur Conflict
El-Fasher has been the epicenter of fighting between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary RSF for months. As the military's last stronghold in Darfur, the city has faced regular bombardment and a total blockade imposed by the RSF in July. The United Nations and aid groups warn that approximately 260,000 civilians remain trapped in the city after most of its population fled previous RSF attacks.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Residents of el-Fasher are facing multiple crises beyond the immediate violence. The city's population is suffering from hunger and disease outbreaks, including cholera, according to UN reports. The Mashad Organization, a rights group, described the recent attack as one of the most atrocious massacres since the RSF began its offensive on the city more than a year ago.
Broader Conflict Implications
Sudan plunged into chaos when tensions between the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in April 2023. The conflict has since escalated into a full-fledged war that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over 14 million from their homes. The devastating conflict has been marked by atrocities including mass killings and rape, which the International Criminal Court is investigating as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The international community continues to monitor the situation as humanitarian organizations struggle to provide assistance amid the ongoing violence and blockades. The latest attack on a civilian shelter underscores the urgent need for increased protection of civilians and a renewed push for diplomatic solutions to end the conflict that has devastated Sudan for more than two years.
