Karnoi, January 05 (Darfur24)
Clashes in parts of North Darfur have forced thousands of residents to flee Karnoi and Ambro, triggering a sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions following an attack in the area last December, according to local sources.
The sources said the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a large-scale ground assault that enabled them to take control of the town of Abu Qumra, part of Karnoi locality, as well as the town of Ambro, following the withdrawal of the joint force of armed movements. Claims have also circulated that RSF took control of Karnoi itself, though neither side has officially confirmed who currently controls the town.
Ibrahim Karkour, an eyewitness from Ambro, told Darfur24 that thousands of residents fled Ambro and surrounding villages to valleys, plains, and forests, where they are living in extremely poor conditions without shelter, drinking water, food, or medicine.
He added that some displaced families moved toward the Al-Tina border area and crossed into Chad after hearing reports that the RSF intended to launch an attack on the city.
Awatif Mohamed, a volunteer in North Darfur, told Darfur24 that more than 6,000 people fled from Ambro into forests and valleys, facing harsh living conditions. She said women, children, and the elderly make up a large proportion of those displaced.
She noted that severe cold and low temperatures have contributed to the spread of stomach infections, while the area is suffering from an acute shortage of medicines and healthcare personnel.
Awatif added that emergency response committees in Al-Tina, Karnoi, and Ambro issued a joint statement highlighting the urgent need for shelter, drinking water, and food for the displaced.
Meanwhile, a leader in Karnoi’s local administration told Darfur24 that large numbers of residents fled on foot toward the town of Furawiya, while others moved toward Kutum and nearby valleys leading to the Urshi reservoir.
He said the most urgent needs of the displaced include shelter, blankets, clothing, medicine, and food, adding that some fleeing civilians were subjected to looting, robbery, and assaults by armed groups allied with the RSF. Large numbers of livestock were also looted during the recent events, he said.
The official appealed to humanitarian organizations and charities to urgently intervene in support of emergency response committees and volunteers, and to provide lifesaving assistance to displaced people sheltering in plains and valleys.
