Paramilitary Attack in Sudan Market Kills 54, Injures 158 Amid Ongoing Civil War
A deadly attack by a paramilitary group in Sudan’s city of Omdurman has left at least 54 people dead and 158 others wounded, health officials reported on Saturday. The assault on the Sabrein Market was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary faction engaged in the ongoing civil war against the Sudanese military.
Devastating Impact on Civilians
The Health Ministry confirmed the horrific toll, noting that many of the victims were women and children. The RSF’s shelling caused widespread destruction to both public and private properties in the area. The Sudanese Doctors Syndicate condemned the attack, revealing that one of the shells landed dangerously close to al-Naw hospital, which treated many of the casualties. Despite the overwhelming number of victims, the hospital is struggling with a severe shortage of medical staff, particularly surgeons and nurses.
Civil War Escalates
The attack in Omdurman marks the latest tragic episode in Sudan’s escalating civil war, which began in April 2023 when tensions between the military and RSF exploded into open conflict. The conflict has already claimed over 28,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes, and led to widespread famine, leaving families in desperate need of survival.
International Condemnation
Sudan’s Culture Minister, Khalid al-Aleisir, denounced the attack, describing it as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law.” The International Criminal Court is investigating the RSF’s actions, with the United Nations and human rights groups documenting atrocities including ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence.
RSF’s Losses Amid Military Gains
In recent months, the RSF has faced multiple military defeats, losing control of several key areas in the capital, Khartoum, and other regions, while the Sudanese military has regained strategic locations, including the city of Wad Medani and the largest oil refinery.
As the conflict continues to devastate Sudan, humanitarian organizations are warning of worsening conditions, with famine and violence escalating across the country. The U.S. government has accused the RSF of committing genocide, and the international community remains alarmed at the growing scale of violence and suffering.
