Recent shelling at a bustling market near Khartoum resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, prompting urgent calls for medical support amid ongoing civil war.
Shelling at Omdurman Market Leaves Deadly Toll Amid Escalating Conflict
Shelling at Omdurman Market Leaves Deadly Toll Amid Escalating Conflict
Deadly market shelling in Sudan highlights rising violence and humanitarian crisis
The recent shelling of a market in Omdurman, a city near Sudan's capital Khartoum, has resulted in tragic casualties, with reports indicating over 100 people killed or injured. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) attributed the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a claim that the RSF has categorically denied. The Sudanese Doctors' Union further revealed that the majority of the casualties were women and children, intensifying concerns over civilian safety in the ongoing conflict.
The skirmish in Omdurman is part of a wider conflict between the RSF and Sudan's army that has persisted for more than 22 months, claiming tens of thousands of lives and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has characterized this situation as one of the most critical global humanitarian disasters currently unfolding. As the Sudanese army escalates its operations in the area to reclaim control from the RSF, the violence continues to threaten the lives of countless civilians, with eyewitness reports stating that the shells originated from RSF-held western Omdurman.
MSF's general secretary, Chris Lockyear, described the aftermath of the attack as producing "utter carnage" at the nearby Al Nao hospital, which was quickly overwhelmed with victims. The Sudanese Doctors' Union urgently called upon nearby medical professionals to assist, citing an alarming shortage of healthcare workers in light of the increasing demand following the attack. A survivor recounted the harrowing experience, emphasizing that the shells struck directly in the heart of the vegetable market, leading to the high number of casualties.
Both the RSF and Sudan's army have faced allegations of intentionally targeting civilian areas, including health facilities. The ongoing violence has further compromised medical services, as several health centers have had to close their emergency response units, affecting thousands of residents reliant on medical care amidst the turmoil. As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian implications of this prolonged conflict.
