10 killed, 20 injured in shelling by Rapid Support Forces in western Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan

At least 10 civilians were killed and 20 injured in artillery shelling allegedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher in North Darfur of western Sudan, activists reported Wednesday.

“Several areas in El Fasher, including the Saudi Hospital, were subjected to artillery bombardment by the paramilitary forces, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians and injuries to 20 others,” according to the El Fasher Coordination of Resistance Committees, a group involved in war victim relief efforts.

The RSF had not issued a response to the statement.

El Fasher has witnessed fierce clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF since May 10. The city is used by the UN and international aid agencies as a humanitarian operation center for the Darfur region.

In a related development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced the displacement of 650 families from the town of Kabkabiya in North Darfur because of recent shelling.

It said displaced families have sought refuge within the town and across the state.

Sudan has been ravaged by fighting between the army and the RSF since April 2023.

The fighting has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, according to estimates from the UN and authorities.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio