October 24, Nairobi — At least eight people were killed and others injured on Wednesday as a result of the ongoing shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of El Fasher, capital of North Darfur. The victims included women and children in a local market.
El Fasher is the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the western Darfur region. The city, which was once a humanitarian hub, is currently experiencing unprecedented artillery shelling by the RSF who are attempting to take it over. Last month, the chief of the United Nations said he was “gravely alarmed’ by reports of the RSF full-scale assault on the city.
On Wednesday, military sources also told Darfur24 the Sudanese army and its joint forces had expanded its deployment to all the fighting axis in the city. They are allegedly advancing in all directions and have set up more bases.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured in El Fasher city since the fighting intensified in mid September. The violence has also caused a severe deterioration of the healthcare system. There is a shortage of doctors and hospitals have limited medical supplies. Many have also been trapped in their homes due to the fighting and unable to reach hospitals.
Sources also told Darfur24 that activists are finding it difficult to count the exact number of victims of artillery shelling in El Fasher due to restrictions by the security authorities. Those injured by Wednesday’s attack were taken to Saudi hospital.