Synopsis
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have attacked a market in Omdurman, leading to 54 deaths and 158 injuries. This assault has raised serious concerns over civilian safety and adherence to international law. The situation remains dire as Sudan continues to face escalating violence and humanitarian crises amid ongoing conflicts.Key Takeaways
- Death toll reaches 54 from RSF attack.
- 158 injured in the marketplace assault.
- Health facilities report catastrophic conditions.
- Attack condemned as a violation of international laws.
- Conflict in Sudan has displaced over 15 million people.
Khartoum, Feb 2 (NationPress) The toll from the bombardment by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a packed marketplace in Omdurman, located north of Khartoum, has tragically increased to 54, as reported by Sudan's Ministry of Health.
The ministry's statement indicated that healthcare facilities documented 54 fatalities and 158 injuries from this catastrophic assault on Sabreen Market in the Karari locality, according to Xinhua news agency.
They condemned this strike against non-combatants, asserting, "This constitutes a breach of international norms and laws."
Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan's information minister and government spokesperson, criticized the attack for resulting in significant civilian loss and extensive damage to both private and public properties.
A medical source from Al-Nao Hospital in Omdurman informed Xinhua that "the situation is catastrophic in every sense of the word. We need blood donors and medical supplies."
A Xinhua reporter in Omdurman noted that the shelling also targeted residential sections adjacent to the market.
The RSF has yet to issue a statement regarding this incident.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) routinely accuses the RSF of conducting bombings in the Karari area from its positions in Bahri, a city within Khartoum State. Karari remains the sole densely populated area in Omdurman fully under military control.
Military clashes between the SAF and the RSF have escalated recently in Khartoum.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the two factions, which has resulted in at least 29,683 deaths and displaced over 15 million people, both within and outside Sudan, based on the latest estimates from international organizations.
