Escalating Conflict in Sudan: Army vs. Rapid Support Forces
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has intensified as the Sudanese army has launched targeted airstrikes against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in various neighborhoods of Khartoum. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported significant military activity, including the use of drones and aircraft, as the RSF retaliated with heavy fire in an attempt to thwart these aerial assaults. The situation has escalated dramatically, with columns of smoke and loud explosions reported in areas like Shambat and Halfaya, indicating the severity of the conflict.
Sennar Under Siege: Civilian Casualties Rise
In the southeastern city of Sennar, the RSF has continued its artillery shelling for the second consecutive day, targeting civilian areas, including the main market. Eyewitness accounts detail a tragic toll, with at least 31 civilians killed and over 100 injured due to the bombardment. The Emergency Lawyers, a pro-democracy group, condemned these actions, emphasizing the growing humanitarian crisis as the RSF seeks to expand its control in a region already strained by conflict. Since late June, the RSF has dominated most of Sennar State, exacerbating the plight of displaced populations.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amidst Ongoing Warfare
The war in Sudan has led to a staggering humanitarian crisis, with estimates suggesting that the death toll could reach 150,000. The International Organization for Migration reports that over 726,000 people have been displaced within Sennar alone, adding to the millions who have fled their homes since the fighting erupted in April 2023. With more than 10 million people displaced and significant damage to infrastructure, the situation remains dire. Health facilities are overwhelmed, with over three-quarters out of service, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
- The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has spiraled into a humanitarian disaster, with millions affected by violence and displacement. The RSF's aggressive tactics in urban areas have raised alarms among human rights organizations, which warn of potential war crimes due to the targeting of civilian infrastructures. International agencies are calling for immediate ceasefire agreements to allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
