Sudanese Military Gains Ground Against RSF Amid Escalating Conflict

More than 114 civilians have been reported killed following a series of attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on displacement camps in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, according to local health authorities. Ibrahim Khatir, the director general of North Darfur State's health authority, stated that the brutal assault on the Zamzam camp resulted in over 100 fatalities, including nine employees from the NGO Relief International who were working in a field hospital. Emergency Room, a volunteer organization, reported that an additional 14 civilians died during an attack on the Abu Shouk camp, with scores more injured as a result of heavy shelling. The RSF has not commented on these incidents, which occur amidst ongoing fierce fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF since May 2024. Sudan has faced escalating violence since mid-April 2023, with the conflict now resulting in over 29,600 deaths, as documented by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, an initiative cited by the United Nations.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has displaced over 13 million people, resulting in a profound humanitarian crisis, according to NDTV. The conflict, which escalated after violent clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 2023, has left millions facing severe food insecurity and lack of access to education. Testimonies from individuals such as Mohammed Zakaria of the Sudan Liberation Army Movement reveal the impact of the turmoil, with families scattered across several countries, including Libya and South Sudan. "Right now, all my family members are refugees in different countries," Zakaria stated. The violence has also resulted in numerous atrocities, including killings and sexual violence, with social media playing a significant role in raising awareness of these issues. More than 29 million people are reportedly in need of assistance, highlighting the dire situation on the ground. Recent military actions have seen the SAF claim some victories against the RSF, yet reports indicate the ongoing volatility and fighting in regions such as North Darfur, complicating efforts for stability and peace.

The Sudanese military is facing accusations of killing hundreds in an airstrike on the Tur'rah market in the Darfur region, according to the Emergency Lawyers group, which documents human rights abuses in the ongoing civil war. Reports suggest the bombing occurred on Monday and has been described as the "deadliest single bombing since the beginning of the war" that erupted in April 2023. Eyewitness videos shared on social media, including those from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), show devastating scenes of destruction and loss. A military spokesperson refuted claims of civilian targeting, stating that the operation was aimed at legitimate hostile targets. However, both the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF have been accused of indiscriminately shelling civilian areas during the conflict. The UN reports that over 12 million people have been displaced in Sudan, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread food insecurity affecting more than half the population. The fallout from the airstrike continues to raise concerns regarding civilian safety amidst ongoing hostilities in the region.