Intense Battles Erupt in El Fasher, North Darfur
Violence has erupted once again in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as the Sudanese army reported repelling a major attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday. The clashes, which lasted for nine hours, are described as some of the most violent since fighting began in the region last May. Local sources indicated that the RSF launched a coordinated assault from three directions, prompting a swift response from Sudanese army aviation, which conducted air raids on RSF positions.
Casualties and Civilian Impact
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports of injuries among civilians due to artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces. The Resistance Committees Coordination in El Fasher noted that while the clashes have relatively ceased, artillery fire continues to threaten markets, hospitals, and residential areas. The Sudan Liberation Movement, allied with the army, stated that the RSF's assault began early Saturday morning and involved heavy artillery and ground troops, claiming to have inflicted heavy losses on the attackers.
The Broader Context of the Conflict
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, leading to over 16,000 deaths and displacing approximately 10.7 million people internally. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with the United Nations reporting that around 2.2 million people have fled to neighboring countries. As the situation unfolds, the governor of Darfur has condemned the RSF for targeting civilians, while the RSF claims to be making significant military progress in the region.
- The conflict in Sudan has deep roots, stemming from political power struggles and ethnic tensions that have plagued the region for decades. The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias, has been accused of numerous human rights violations, particularly against civilian populations in Darfur. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with calls for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire to protect civilians caught in the crossfire. In recent months, various factions have emerged, complicating the conflict further. The Sudanese army has attempted to consolidate power while facing internal dissent, and the RSF has sought to expand its influence. The situation remains fluid, with each side claiming victories and suffering losses, leading to a protracted and devastating conflict that shows little sign of resolution.
