A drone attack on the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, resulted in multiple fatalities, predominantly among patients. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF has severely compromised healthcare access, leading to extreme humanitarian challenges, including famine in displacement camps. Recent military claims of progress have been disputed by the RSF, intensifying concerns over stability and civilian safety.
Dozens of individuals were killed in a drone strike that targeted the Saudi Hospital, one of the few remaining operational healthcare facilities in el-Fasher, Sudan. Initial reports indicate that the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 30 patients; however, regional authorities claim this number may exceed 70, with many victims being women and children. The Sudanese army has launched an ongoing conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, as the RSF has effectively taken control of the Darfur region, leading to significant humanitarian issues.
The conflict has intensified in the North Darfur capital of el-Fasher, where RSF forces have been besieging the city since May. The local medical response has been critically affected, with major healthcare facilities, including the Saudi Hospital, under attack and severely compromised. Reports suggest that up to 80 percent of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure has been incapacitated, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The dire conditions in el-Fasher have led to widespread famine, particularly in three displacement camps, with predictions of further deterioration. The United Nations has indicated that the humanitarian situation is likely to worsen as conflict persists, affecting the already vulnerable population. In parallel, the Sudanese army claims to have gained ground by lifting the RSF siege on its headquarters in Khartoum, although the RSF refutes these claims as mere propaganda.
Healthcare professionals from organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have described the situation as dire, stating that the Saudi Hospital is among the last operational facilities providing essential surgical services. The ongoing conflicts have resulted in significant humanitarian repercussions, leading to the displacement of millions and extreme food shortages affecting half the population. The war is a result of a violent fallout from disputes concerning the integration of opposing military forces in the region.
The recent drone attack on el-Fasher’s Saudi Hospital highlights the dire state of healthcare amidst escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have engaged in widespread conflict, severely affecting civilian infrastructure. The continuous combat has led to critical damage to medical facilities, highlighting a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and famine, particularly impacting vulnerable populations.
The tragic drone attack on a hospital in Darfur underscores the urgent humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing military conflict. Despite claims of military advances, the situation for healthcare facilities remains critical, with a significant portion rendered inoperative. The consequences of war have extended beyond combat to disrupt the livelihoods and welfare of countless civilians, culminating in widespread famine and suffering across Sudan.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
