Recent shelling in Omdurman has killed six civilians as the Sudanese army approaches the presidential palace in Khartoum. The RSF maintains control over significant areas, causing a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and tens of thousands dead. Recent military gains suggest the army is close to reclaiming the capital. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe food insecurity and displacement across the country.
In Omdurman, Sudan, recent shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and injured 36 others, with a significant number of children among the casualties. The bombardment targeted residential areas and a nearby football field. This escalation comes as the Sudanese army is advancing towards the presidential palace in Khartoum, aiming to reclaim territory lost to the RSF since the onset of the conflict.
The RSF has taken control of the presidential palace since the conflict’s beginning in April 2023. The army claims to be positioned less than a kilometer from the palace. RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has reiterated that his forces will maintain their grip on this strategic location. Reports from AFP indicate ongoing clashes have produced significant smoke and noise in central Khartoum.
The conflict in Sudan has been catastrophic, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 12 million individuals, marking one of the world’s worst hunger and displacement crises. Specifically, in Khartoum, approximately 3.5 million people have been forcibly displaced due to violence, as reported by the United Nations.
Farther southwest in the state capital of El-Obeid, shelling by RSF forces resulted in two deaths and 15 injuries. The RSF has also created a severe humanitarian situation in North Kordofan, displacing over 200,000 people and causing acute food insecurity for nearly a million, according to UN statistics.
Combat activity has also intensified in Blue Nile state, with RSF claiming destruction of military vehicles and capturing soldiers. Over two years of war have substantially fragmented Sudan, with the RSF exerting control over much of Darfur, while the army retains power in the north and east. Recent advancements by the army signal a potential complete reclamation of Khartoum by military forces.
The escalation of violence in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum and Omdurman, highlights the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing conflict. With the army making strategic advances towards the capital and the RSF maintaining control over significant territories, the situation remains volatile. The toll on civilian life is dire, with thousands dead and millions displaced, highlighting the urgent need for resolution and humanitarian assistance in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
