In a tragic incident, shelling in Omdurman, Sudan, has led to over 120 civilian deaths. Medical supplies are dwindling as injuries mount amidst a civil war that has displaced millions and has driven the country toward famine. The violence stems from a conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, with escalating attacks on civilian areas.
Over 120 civilians have reportedly lost their lives due to indiscriminate shelling in the Dar-Salam region of Omdurman, which is situated across the Nile from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. This tragic event occurred on a Monday, according to a local volunteer network. The Ombada Emergency Response Room indicated that these casualty figures are provisional, and the actual toll may increase as the situation develops.
Medical facilities are experiencing a severe shortage of supplies as healthcare providers attempt to manage the overwhelming influx of injured individuals. The prolonged civil war in Sudan, now in its 21st month, has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of over 12 million people, and a looming famine crisis described by the United Nations as one of the globe’s most dire humanitarian situations.
The ongoing conflict erupted last year following a fallout between military leadership and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), regarding the future governance of Sudan. The Ombada Emergency Response Room has refrained from naming the aggressors behind the attack in Omdurman, illustrating the complexity of the conflict. Emergency responders have encountered difficulties in accessing certain areas due to rampant violence, with most of Omdurman under army control while the RSF holds parts of greater Khartoum.
In recent weeks, the Sudanese army has intensified its military operations in Omdurman, aiming to reclaim territory. Reports indicate that the army has successfully captured three districts and seized weaponry abandoned by the RSF. Meanwhile, RSF fighters are reportedly retreating from two neighborhoods, with residents reporting regular shelling impacting civilian structures, particularly across the Nile.
The continued fighting has devastated the area, subjecting communities to stray bullets and shrapnel, as stated by the Ombada Emergency Response Room. Both opposing forces have been accused of targeting civilians, leading to the bombardment of residential neighborhoods. The skirmishes have also resulted in the closure of several health centers, compromising medical services for countless residents during this crisis.
The conflict in Sudan is entrenched in a power struggle that escalated following disagreements between the Sudanese Army and the RSF over governance and military directives. This civil war has reached catastrophic levels, drastically impacting humanitarian conditions in the country. The notable surge in violence and civilian casualties has drawn international attention, with the UN highlighting Sudan as facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, marked by significant casualties and mass displacement. As the conflict endures, access to medical care becomes increasingly limited, exacerbating the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. Additionally, both the army and RSF’s indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations have underscored the extensive human rights violations occurring amid this prolonged turmoil. Given the complex power dynamics and shifting territorial control, the situation remains highly volatile, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and intervention.
The recent shelling in Omdurman, which resulted in over 120 civilian casualties, highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan amidst an ongoing civil war. With resources dwindling and medical facilities overwhelmed, the plight of the Sudanese people grows increasingly severe. The conflict, characterized by a struggle for power between the army and the RSF, continues to inflict heavy civilian costs, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian support and conflict resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
