Over 120 civilians were killed in recent shelling in Omdurman, Sudan, with medical supplies dwindling amid the ongoing civil conflict. The situation has resulted in widespread casualties and disruption of medical services, compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis. The fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to impact local civilians severely.
The Sudanese city of Omdurman experienced devastating shelling on Monday, resulting in the reported deaths of at least 120 civilians, according to local volunteer organizations. The Ombada Emergency Response Room, which reported the provisional death toll, indicated that the number of casualties may increase as rescue efforts continue. Medical personnel are struggling to treat a growing number of injured individuals, exacerbated by dwindling medical supplies amid ongoing bombardments.
The civil conflict in Sudan, which has persisted for 21 months, has led to tens of thousands of deaths, displacing over 12 million people and pushing the nation toward famine—one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide, as characterized by the United Nations. The conflict initiated last year following disagreements between the Sudanese army leadership and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regarding the nation’s future governance.
Currently, Omdurman remains largely under army control, while the RSF has established a presence in Khartoum and its surrounding areas. The Ombada Emergency Response Room did not identify the party responsible for the recent shelling. Reports from local residents indicate that both factions have engaged in indiscriminate artillery fire that targets civilian areas, leading to extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Furthermore, emergency response teams have encountered significant barriers when attempting to reach affected areas due to ongoing clashes. The RSF is reportedly retreating from some neighborhoods amid a recent escalation of military operations by the army aimed at regaining strategic control. The Ombada Emergency Response Room asserts that the prolonged fighting has devastated local communities, exposing them to random explosions and shrapnel injuries, heightening the humanitarian crisis for civilians.
Most concerning is the interruption of medical services, as many health centers providing emergency support have ceased operations due to the conflict, severely impacting thousands of residents in dire need of assistance. Reports suggest that both the army and RSF have been implicated in targeting health care workers and indiscriminately attacking residential areas, further compounding the human cost of this protracted conflict.
The conflict in Sudan began in 2022 due to tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF over the power dynamics and governance of the country. The ongoing civil war has escalated without signs of resolution, leading to significant humanitarian crises, including mass displacement and civilian deaths. International organizations, like the United Nations, have highlighted the dire conditions in Sudan, prompting global attention to the unfolding tragedy.
In summary, the recent shelling in Omdurman represents a catastrophic escalation in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, resulting in significant civilian casualties and further straining medical resources. The conflict, now in its second year, continues to threaten the lives and well-being of millions, necessitating urgent humanitarian action and international intervention to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
