Shelling by RSF in Khartoum has killed at least five, targeting civilians during prayers. This follows a loss of central Khartoum by RSF earlier this month, amid intense conflict with the Sudanese army, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Recent shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in eastern Khartoum has left a minimum of five individuals dead and injured numerous others, according to a Sudanese pro-democracy lawyers’ group. The incident took place during evening tarawih prayers at a mosque in the East Nile district, demonstrating the continued targeting of civilians amid ongoing conflict. The Emergency Lawyers network has been documenting such abuses involving both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
This attack marks the second reported assault on civilians following the RSF’s loss of control in central Khartoum, including the presidential palace, during a government military operation on Friday. Following up with artillery strikes, RSF forces targeted Omdurman, Khartoum’s adjoining city, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and described by witnesses as among the heaviest shelling experienced in recent months.
The Sudanese army claims to have gained control of the central bank’s main headquarters from the RSF during its campaign to establish dominance in Khartoum. Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah stated that hundreds of militia members attempting to escape were neutralized in intense fighting recently.
The RSF has fortified its hold over western regions, establishing stable territorial divisions as Sudan edges closer to de facto partition. They are actively pursuing a parallel governance structure in their controlled areas, though significant international recognition remains unlikely. The ongoing struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, which has been ongoing since April 2023, continues to plunge the country into a dire humanitarian crisis, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing over 12 million people.
The RSF’s recent shelling incidents underscore the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly targeted at civilians during religious observances. As the Sudanese army continues its advances, the conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian situation, with significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The potential for a de facto partition looms, with both military factions seeking control amid international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
