Sudanese Paramilitary Attack Kills 53 in Darfur Shelter

A shelling and drone attack by Sudanese paramilitary forces on a shelter in Darfur's el-Fasher city has resulted in at least 53 deaths, including women and children, according to a doctors' group.

The Sudan Doctors’ Network reported that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted al-Arqam Home, a shelter for displaced families located at the Omdurman Islamic University in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The attack, which occurred late Friday, also injured 21 individuals, among them five children and seven women.

The medical group condemned the assault, stating it "represents a continuation of the scorched-earth policy practiced by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, in flagrant violation of all international norms and laws." The RSF has not issued a response to these allegations.

El-Fasher has been a focal point of conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF, serving as the military's last stronghold in Darfur. The RSF has imposed a blockade on the city since July, leading to severe humanitarian conditions. The United Nations has warned that approximately 260,000 civilians are trapped in el-Fasher, facing hunger and disease outbreaks, including cholera.

The conflict in Sudan escalated in April 2023 when tensions between the military and the RSF erupted into open warfare. The ongoing violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced over 14 million people, and pushed parts of the country into famine.